Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)
Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement on Trump’s military action in Iran:
“Overnight, Trump started an illegal war without approval from Congress and against the wishes of the American people.
“This war will bring needless death and destruction – risking American lives and civilian casualties.
“This is a pure war of aggression. Iran poses no imminent threat. And by insisting on regime change, it promises to start a long war like the war in Iraq. If Donald Trump wanted to go to war, he should have gone to Congress first and convince the American people and their representatives that the cause is worthy of the expenditure of American blood and treasure.
“Trump campaigned on ending forever wars, and he may just have started one.
“These attacks are not about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. How do we know?
“A) Because the President said we had previously obliterated it.
“B) Because the Iranians have continually said that they didn’t want a nuclear weapon and were willing to negotiate an inspection regime that would guarantee that.
“C) Because we have a record of the Obama administration successfully negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran that included robust inspections and safeguards against the development of a nuclear weapon, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump tore up upon taking office. Just because Trump failed to secure an agreement of his own, doesn’t mean the United States should go to war.
“Furthermore, by ignoring Congress Trump is continuing his long march toward authoritarianism. This is yet another presidential usurpation of power leading to an authoritarian regime. Because only Congress has the power to declare war, and it is now up to us to stop it.
“Congress must do everything in our power to stop Trump from continuing his illegal war. We must bring up a War Powers resolution immediately. I will vote to pass the resolution to bring an end to these illegal attacks, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.”