Heinrich Votes To Support War Powers Resolution To Prevent War With Iran

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting to support S.J.Res.63, a war powers resolution to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 55 to 45.

“This resolution adheres with the Founders’ intent that the sole constitutional power to declare war rests with peoples’ representatives in Congress, not the president.

“President Trump’s reckless approach to foreign policy and use of military force is completely lacking in forethought and too often puts Americans at risk. The president has dangerously raised the likelihood of entangling the United States in yet another war in the Middle East.

“The president’s impulsive decision to order the killing of General Soulemani last month is just one piece of his administration’s incoherent ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Iran. It is clear that this approach is not working to bring the Iranian regime back to the table for nuclear negotiations after last year’s abrupt, unilateral U.S. withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal.

“We can no longer allow the executive branch to misuse congressional authorizations for use of military force—AUMFs—that in no way authorize hostilities against Iran. Anytime we send our service members to war, we must always have clear objectives and strategies. If President Trump and his advisors believe military conflict with Iran is necessary, they must bring that justification before Congress for a vote.”