Donald Trump has taken dangerous steps toward a wider war with Iran
Just last night, I introduced a War Powers Resolution to rein in Trump's illegal war with Iran.
It was James Madison who noted that it is the Executive most interested in war and most prone to it, and thus, the Constitution has, "with studied care," put the question of war with the legislature.
We have seen in stark terms in every war since Vietnam, the enormous cost of war in blood and treasure.
And Trump's war of choice with Iran is another lose-lose-lose.
Conditions since the war started have drastically deteriorated. Thirteen American servicemembers have lost their lives in the conflict, with more injured. The Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's goods travels by ship, is now effectively closed to ship traffic. The hardliners in control of Iran's government are strengthened. The Trump administration has provided a lifeline to Russia's economy by allowing a waiver on the sale of previously-sanctioned Russian oil. And, the impacts of a constrained energy supply have caused gas prices to soar and driven up inflation in our economy.
In the face of this reckless war, it is Congress's responsibility to put up a stop sign exercised in a War Powers Resolution like the one I introduced yesterday. Our intention as a Senate Democratic caucus is to vote on a War Powers Resolution every single week while the war continues.
The effect of passing a War Powers Resolution would mean that the President, if he wants to continue his war, needs to come to Congress and make the case for war with a detailed plan.
Donald Trump entered into this dangerous war with Iran, and keeps taking escalatory steps — without Congress, without accountability, and without regard for the Constitution.
This is about protecting our democracy, defending the rule of law, and making sure decisions of war and peace are made with transparency and accountability — not impulsively and without oversight.
Add your name today to stand with me and say: No war with Iran without Congressional approval.
Onward,
Jeff
