DeLauro Votes for War Powers Resolution, Speaks on the House Floor in Favor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (January 9, 2020) Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives in support of the War Powers Resolution, legislation that would require the President to consult Congress and the American public before engaging in war or hostilities against Iran. DeLauro is an original cosponsor of the No War Against Iran Act (H.R. 5543) and the Help Stop War with Iran Act (H.R. 2456).

A full video of her speech can be found here, and below are her remarks as delivered:

The War Powers Resolution simply requires the President to consult with the Congress and with the American public before going to war with Iran.

Our constituents held their breath on Tuesday. Thankfully, no lives were lost in Iran's retaliatory attack.

But, serious concerns remain, about the rationale and the ramifications.

We do not mourn the loss of Qasem Soleimani. As the leader of the Quds Force, he was responsible for actions that harmed and killed American personnel and allies, and I condemn that. But, any U.S. military action, especially one that could spark catastrophic consequences, needs to be carefully considered, fully justified within the law. President Trump failed to consult the Congress, failed to secure specific authorization, failed to cite with specificity the imminent threat.

In a classified briefing for Members of Congress, the administration would not, could not provide any specifics about what constituted an imminent threat. They couldn't tell us what the targets were nor would they divulge any of the timelines for the attack. It is unprecedented, the level at which this administration is seeking to obscure the facts from the Congress and the American people.

The rationale is in doubt. The ramifications are, as well. The U.S. announced it will suspend our fight against ISIS. Iraq's Prime Minister and the legislature moved to expel our troops. The Iranian leaders announced they would no longer abide by the 2015 nuclear deal.

President Trump's actions have dramatically increased the possibility of war with Iran and Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Today, Americans and our allies are less safe as a result of the administration's actions.

Let us reassert the Congress's role to ensure that the president, any president is complying with the law and was not conducting lengthy military actions without Congressional approval. Let us prevent, let us prevent another unnecessary war. Let us vote for this rule and this resolution.