Rep. Panetta, Democratic Veterans Introduce War Powers Resolution to End War With Iran

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jason Crow (CO-06), and several Democratic Veterans to introduce a War Powers Resolution designed to end the President’s unauthorized, prolonged war in Iran and ensure the Administration remains answerable to the American people and their representatives in Congress.

“The President’s war of choice in Iran lacks an endgame plan or strategy, has already taken the lives of 13 American servicemembers, and continues to raise costs across the board for working families, all without any input from Congress. No president should be able to take this country into prolonged conflict without the consent of the American people through their Representatives,” said Rep. Panetta. “Congress must reclaim its constitutional responsibility when it comes to war. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this War Powers Resolution to permanently bring this conflict to an end.”

“As veterans, we know firsthand the cost of war,” said Rep. Moulton. “We also know that military force is not always the answer. Brute force will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We have already lost 13 Americans in this conflict, and we cannot continue to send our troops into harm’s way without a strategy. We are introducing this resolution because the American people deserve a say in how their military is used, and it is clear that this reckless war of choice must end.” 

“Congress must end President Trump’s illegal war of choice with Iran. His war has cost the lives of U.S. servicemembers, raised prices for Americans at home, damaged our alliances, and made us less safe,” said Rep. Crow. “The President is spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on Middle East conflicts as Americans back home can’t afford gas and are losing their health care. Congress must end this conflict now.”

In addition to Rep. Panetta, the resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), and Bobby Scott (VA-03). It carries the collective weight of nine Democratic veterans, lawmakers who understand the true cost of military engagement. The coalition will force Republicans to go on the record repeatedly on this failing war of choice for as long as it continues.

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