Washington, D.C. – The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressman Mark Pocan (W1-02) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), along with CPC Peace and Security Task Force Chair Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), released the following statement urging immediate passage of two CPC-endorsed bills and a strong War Powers Resolution for Iran this week. The CPC is supportive of and working with Speaker Pelosi and House Leadership on a strong War Powers Resolution. The CPC also endorsed for immediate floor action legislation from Congressman Ro Khanna prohibiting any funding for offensive military force in or against Iran without prior congressional authorization and Congresswoman Barbara Lee repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. The Trump Administration has falsely claimed that this 2002 AUMF could justify future use of military force against Iran.
“The Trump Administration’s recklessness has put us on the brink of an illegal, unauthorized, and catastrophic war with Iran. For years, Congress has failed in our constitutional duty to weigh in on military action. We must do better – which is why we are pleased that Speaker Pelosi will bring a War Powers Resolution to the floor without delay. Just last year, at the behest of the Progressive Caucus, Congress passed a bipartisan War Powers Resolution in both the House and the Senate to block the United States’ illegal and inhumane war in Yemen. As we stand at the brink of yet another catastrophic war in the Middle East, it is clear that Congress must act swiftly to pass another War Powers Resolution to prevent this crisis from spiraling out of control.
“In addition to the War Powers Resolution, we believe it is imperative to simultaneously pursue all avenues to prevent a disastrous war with Iran. That’s why the Progressive Caucus has endorsed two additional bills from Congressman Khanna and Congresswoman Lee to prohibit funding for war with Iran and repeal the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Force in Iraq. Both these bills previously passed this Congress in bipartisan votes as amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act.
"The Trump Administration has yet to provide any evidence of an imminent threat to the United States. The present crisis was not inevitable. Rather, it is the direct result of irresponsible, ill-considered, and irrational decision-making by the President of the United States. The Trump Administration has put our troops and the region in grave danger. Any further escalation cannot be used to justify increased military action. Given the lack of any coherent strategy by the White House to de-escalate tensions and protect U.S. troops, regional partners, and innocent civilians, Congress must act swiftly to prevent another endless war.”
Both the Khanna bill and the Lee bill passed the House with bipartisan support as amendments to the NDAA last summer. Click here for information on the Khanna bill. Click here for the text of the Lee bill.
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