Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement after voting in favor of House Democrats’ bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution:
“The United States Constitution is clear: Congress—not a president acting alone—is vested with the responsibility to make the grave decision to enter into war when there is no imminent threat to the nation. The bipartisan War Powers Resolution is necessary to ensure that the American people—through their representatives in Congress—have a voice in decisions that send our troops into harm’s way and draw heavily on taxpayer money.
“Donald Trump launched the United States into a dangerous war with Iran without making the case to Congress or the American people. At a moment when families are struggling with rising grocery prices, health care bills and rent, the American people deserve honesty about the financial, strategic and human consequences of another war in the Middle East. Any action that draws America further into conflict must be grounded in law, guided by a clear strategy and built around a defined endgame—not an open-ended war that risks American lives and drains billions of taxpayer dollars away from urgent needs here at home.
“The Iranian regime’s brutality, violation of human rights and sponsorship of global terrorism are well known, but it appears that Trump did not learn the lessons of Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya. Military successes can lead to chaos and failed states if there is no long-term plan. The Iranian people deserve the freedom and dignity that a broad-based plan with countries in the region would provide.
“I’m grateful for the leadership of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill AFB, and for the brave men and women serving in the Middle East carrying out the mission they were assigned. I do not want to see one more American soldier lose their life in a conflict that Congress never debated and never approved. This resolution is about reining in a reckless escalation and requiring the Trump Administration to come to Congress, as required by the Constitution.”