MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei: 

“Ayatollah Khamenei commanded a regime of terror that killed countless innocents and tore families apart around the globe. The Israeli strikes eliminating the Ayatollah and much of his senior leadership brings this brutal reign of persecution to a definitive and necessary end. The people of Iran can now choose their own destiny.

“As co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress and our counterparts in the Middle East to promote regional stability, cooperation, and mutual defense against the persistent and growing Iranian threat. It has been incredible to see Israel and its Arab neighbors come together as a united force to counter Iranian attacks and support the next chapter of regional security, free from the Ayatollah’s terrorism. 

“I look forward to continuing the important, bipartisan work of cementing, strengthening, and expanding the Abraham Accords to achieve a lasting peace.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO — Following U.S. military strikes against Iran, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement:“I am closely monitoring the situation following President Trump’s announcement that U.S. forces have launched major combat operations against Iran.Iran’s regime is clearly a dangerous and destabilizing force, with a long history of supporting terrorism, threatening our allies, and pursuing nuclear weapons. While confronting these threats is necessary, military action of this magnitude carries serious risks. Our troops are in harm’s way, and there is a real possibility that this conflict could expand into a wider and prolonged war in the Middle East without the understanding or support of the American people.Congress has a constitutional responsibility under Article I to authorize the use of military force, and it is concerning that such authorization was not sought before this strike. The American people deserve transparency about the objectives of this operation, the legal authority under which it was undertaken, and the plan to protect U.S. service members and civilians in the region. If last year’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear program were a major success, it is reasonable to ask why this follow-up operation was deemed necessary.I am calling for an immediate classified briefing to better understand the administration’s strategy, ensure accountability, and demand that Congress be fully involved in overseeing this conflict. Our troops and their families deserve clarity, support, and assurance that every decision is made with their safety and our national interest in mind.We must remain firm in confronting terrorism and nuclear proliferation, but we must also be clear-eyed about the costs of war. The path forward must prioritize American security, regional stability, and a strategy that prevents another open-ended conflict in the Middle East.It is my hope that as these circumstances develop, a bipartisan consensus will emerge that strengthens U.S. resolve and provides clear direction to bring peace to that part of the world.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Trump’s illegal decision to start a war with Iran:

“The American people do not want another war in the Middle East. We are not even five years removed from the last one—which dragged on for 20 years. There are no experts in the intelligence community who believe the ousting of the Iranian regime will be an easy or quick action. Iran has already retaliated against Israel and other U.S. allies in the region, and the risk of the spread of violence is very real.

“Donald Trump has no plan for conducting this war, no clear demands for the regime, no goals, and no strategy for what comes next. He is not even pretending that this will be a narrow set of strikes. Instead, he has openly called this a war. Trump even bluntly stated that the deaths of American service members are the price of doing business.

“Let me be clear, Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. Just six months ago, this administration insisted that Iran’s nuclear program had been ‘completely and totally obliterated.’ We should have continued our diplomatic negotiations rather than sending US military members into a prolonged conflict without a clear strategy. 

“The Iranian regime is, unequivocally, violent, cruel, and repressive. Just recently, they brutally murdered thousands of their own people for daring to express opposition to the regime. The Iranian people have the right to determine their own future and to do so without the threat of death. This is not how we help Iranians achieve freedom.

“Speaker Mike Johnson must immediately call Congress back to DC to vote on a war powers resolution. The Constitution gives Congress the exclusive power to declare war. Donald Trump cannot continue his crusade without the express approval of Congress, which I have no intention of providing.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement on the strikes against Iran:

“The Trump administration’s strikes against Iran represent a reckless abuse of the president’s power, threatening to pull the United States into yet another open-ended Middle East war without clear justifications or a defined strategic end state. Congress was not consulted, nor was it given the opportunity to authorize the use of force. This is an unacceptable breach of its constitutional role. 

“The goals laid out by President Trump — ending Iran’s destabilizing nuclear weapons program, dismantling its missile arsenal, crushing its proxy network, and regime change — are not the objectives of a limited strike. They are the objectives of a prolonged war. Military force can degrade Iran’s capabilities, but without a defined end state and real diplomacy, these objectives invite escalation. We are already seeing retaliation against U.S. forces and our partners. When we place American service members in harm’s way, we owe them defined objectives and credible strategy. The United States does not have a good record of forcing regime change or diminishing Tehran’s malicious behavior long-term through military force.

“The administration owes Congress and the American people a direct accounting: what is the threat, what are the objectives, what is the exit strategy, and what will it cost? Instead, we are seeing evasion at a moment that demands transparency. Even the Bush administration provided far more transparency on its effort to go to war with Iraq, and that administration’s willingness to seek Congressional authorization now stands as a higher standard than this president has met.

“I call on Speaker Johnson to call Congress back to Washington to immediately vote on authorization of Trump’s war of choice. Republicans and Democrats alike owe that to the American people. The president has launched an unauthorized war, and Congress must now decide whether to sanction it.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s strikes on Iran: 

“First and foremost, our constitution is crystal-clear: the decision to take our nation to war rests with Congress. Our framers designed the constitutional framework to ensure consequential issues of war would be fully debated by lawmakers before American service members are engaged in conflict abroad.

“Iran’s violations of human rights are well documented, and I’ve long stated that Iran — the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism — cannot be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. But I also share the deep concerns of many Americans about direct U.S. involvement in foreign wars.

“Put simply, President Trump’s reckless decision to once again initiate military action without congressional authorization is clearly unconstitutional. Speaker Johnson must reconvene the Congress — immediately — for a vote on the War Powers Resolution.

“I am praying for the safety of our troops, personnel, and Americans across the region. If any Coloradans are currently in the Middle East and need assistance in evacuating, we encourage you to please contact our district or Washington D.C. offices, where we have dedicated staff available to assist.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the New Democrat Coalition’s statements on U.S. strikes against Iran.

Leader Jeffries’ released the following statement:

“Overnight, Donald Trump announced the start of massive and ongoing military operations against Iran. The framers of the United States Constitution gave Congress the sole power to declare war as the branch of government closest to the American people. 

“Iran is a bad actor and must be aggressively confronted for its human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, support of terrorism and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan in the region. However, absent exigent circumstances, the Trump administration must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war.  

“Donald Trump failed to seek Congressional authorization prior to striking Iran. Instead, the President’s decision to abandon diplomacy and launch a massive military attack has left American troops vulnerable to Iran’s retaliatory actions. We pray for the safety of the men and women of the U.S. military as they have been put into harm’s way in a dangerous theater of war. 

“If Iran’s nuclear program was “completely and totally obliterated” by the military strikes in June 2025, as Donald Trump boldly proclaimed, there should be no need to strike them now. Equally troublesome, the advancement of security and stability in the Middle East requires more than military might, as we painfully discovered in several failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Trump administration must explain itself to the American people and Congress immediately, provide an ironclad justification for this act of war, clearly define the national security objective and articulate a plan to avoid another costly, prolonged military quagmire in the Middle East. 

“The War Powers Resolution introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie demands that President Trump remove U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran absent Congressional authorization. House Democrats remain committed to compelling a vote on this resolution upon our return.”

The New Democrat Coalition released the following statement:

“The Constitution explicitly gives Congress and only Congress the authority and heavy responsibility to send our nation to war. We have not seen any intelligence indicating an imminent threat that would justify risking the lives of American servicemembers. Speaker Johnson must immediately reconvene the House so that we may vote on a war powers resolution.

“We have no false impressions of Iran’s regime. They repress their people at home, sponsor terror campaigns against the U.S. and our allies, and bolster violent insurgencies abroad. We cannot allow these realities to cloud the serious analysis and debate that must take place before we engage in war.

“We are fully confident in the capabilities of our military and servicemembers, and are praying for their safety and success. We also know the cost of a prolonged conflict with no defined conclusion. The American people do not want another endless war. They don’t want more flag-draped coffins, more of our brave young men and women needlessly sent into harm’s way without a clear purpose or strategy.

“Congress must rise to the moment and exercise its constitutional duties to serve as a check on the President before more troops are put in harm’s way.”

### 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement on the strikes against Iran:

“Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes against Iran without Congressional authorization is a blatant violation of the Constitution and a dangerous abuse of executive power.

“This reckless escalation comes after his unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. He has never presented a coherent strategy to confront Iran’s malign activities. As a result, the United States and our allies are less safe today.

“Preemptive U.S. military action against Iran not only endangers our troops, it risks further destabilizing an already volatile region and igniting a broader conflict. By launching these strikes, Donald Trump has thrust the United States into war without approval from Congress. These strikes are outside the scope of his authority and put our nation and our allies at serious risk.

“Iran’s regime represses its own people, sponsors terrorism, fuels regional violence, and poses real threats to U.S. interests and our allies. But those realities do not erase the Constitution or grant any President the power to sidestep Congress.

“The American people do not want another open-ended war. Congress must assert its constitutional authority immediately.”

###

Issues: 119th Congress, Defense, Military, National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

February 28, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement after President Trump ordered military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran:

“The American people rightly do not want a war with Iran. President Trump’s war is not smart, it is not legal, it is not morally right, and it is not in our national interest. The risk to our servicemembers, citizens, and allies which it creates is not justified by Iran’s threat to our own security, and the threat of a wider conflict that destabilizes the region is significant. Recent history has shown repeatedly that wars in the Middle East are far easier to begin than they are to finish.

“The President has not made the case for a conflict he himself calls ‘war’ to the country or to Congress, nor has he gotten congressional approval for such a step, which means this war is plainly illegal and unconstitutional. The only justifications given for war have been Trump’s failure to conclude a deal like the one he inherited and foolishly tore up, along with the goal of destroying a nuclear program he declared ‘obliterated’ a few months ago. This does not inspire confidence in the incoherent strategy of an increasingly erratic president.

“The Iranian regime has been brutal and repressive, and the human rights and self-determination of the Iranian people deserve our care and consideration. But there is no evidence that President Trump cares about the people of Iran any more than he does about the people of Venezuela, or about the people of other countries repressed by the autocrats and dictators Trump counts as friends. On the other hand, many civilians have reportedly already been killed, and many more are likely to be.

“I have always supported diplomacy to achieve our national security aims with Iran as an Ambassador and in Congress, and continue to believe that diplomacy is the only good path forward. The Constitution is clear that only Congress has the power to declare war. I call upon House leaders to immediately bring the House back into session to vote on the Khanna-Massie War Powers Resolution, which I strongly support.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-De.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Representatives Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) led over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Senator Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.”

“Americans shouldn’t have to waste valuable time or hard-earned money just to file their taxes,” said Representative Sherman. “The Direct File Act expands on the successful 2024 pilot and offers a straightforward, no-cost filing option that will make the process simpler and more affordable for working families.”

The average American taxpayer spends eight hours and $160 each year filing their taxes with tax prep companies. In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome.

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would: 

• Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.
• Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.
• Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.
• Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.

“Direct File helped hundreds of thousands of American taxpayers file their taxes quickly, easily, and for free – so of course President Trump and Republicans killed it. This year, those Americans will have to go back to expensive tax preparation services owned by President Trump’s donors. This legislation would bring back Direct File, because tax season is already hard enough without having to pay a company to pay your taxes,” said Senator Coons.

“Trump and the Republicans shut down the IRS Direct File program because they’re bought and paid for by the tax software industry and don’t have a problem with middle-class taxpayers getting ripped off every spring,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill is a promise that Democrats are going to restore Direct File the next time we’re in charge of the IRS, and in the meantime, it’s a shame that the Trump administration is a threat to any public service that saves Americans time, hassle and money.”

“The senseless destruction of the IRS’ popular Direct File program last year was just another example of the Trump Administration going out of its way to make life more difficult for the American people,” said Representative Beyer. “The program allowed hundreds of thousands of Americans to file their taxes easily and for free directly with the IRS instead of being forced to go through middlemen. This legislation would codify this important program and prioritize ordinary Americans already struggling with high costs of living ahead of special interests.”

“Direct File worked. It saved everyday taxpayers over $5.5 million in tax preparation fees and it saved them time. But Trump and Republicans killed it, because making the tax filing process simple and free doesn’t benefit their billionaire donors and the giant tax prep companies that profit off of confusion and fees. That’s why I joined Representative Brad Sherman and Senator Elizabeth Warren to introduce the Direct File Act of 2026, which would restore and permanently codify the IRS’s free, government-run online tax filing program so more Americans can file their taxes quickly and at no cost. I am committed to ensuring we bring Direct File back and stop Trump from rigging the system against the people it’s intended to serve,” said Representative Chu.

“The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That’s why I helped lead Democrats’ efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. Trump may not care about lowering Americans’ costs, but Democrats still do,” said Representative Hoyer. “We will keep fighting to bring back Direct File and to expand it nationwide.”

“Direct File is a popular program that allows Americans to file their taxes for free, cutting out the middleman. But big tax-prep companies like TurboTax and H&R Block pushed the Trump administration to kill it,” said Representative Pocan. “It’s time to bring back Direct File permanently nationwide, saving taxpayers time and money.”

In total, 40 Senators cosponsored the legislation, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

120 Members of the House of Representatives cosponsored the bill as well, including: Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (D-Calif.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Herb Conaway (D-N.J.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.), Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Josh Harder (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), George Latimer (D-N.Y.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), John Mannion (D-N.Y.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Emily Randall (D-Wash.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), David Scott (D-Ga.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.). 

The bill is endorsed by 115 unions, advocacy groups, and national organizations, including Public Citizen, Americans for Tax Fairness, Economic Security Project Action, Groundwork Collaborative, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America, Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Main Street Alliance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, P Street, Patriotic Millionaires, Institute for Policy Studies – Program on Inequality, MoveOn, UnidosUS, 20/20 Vision, Advancing CT Together, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allons Babies, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Arkansas Asset Builders, Brazilian Worker Center Inc, California Alliance of Caregivers, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Catalyst Miami, Center for New Revenue, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Children’s HealthWatch, Church Women United in New York State, Coalition on Human Needs, Color Of Change, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Community Change Action, Connecticut Voices for Children, Consumer Action, Courage California, Demand Progress, Elevate Idaho Families, End Child Poverty CA powered by GRACE, Fair Share America, Faith in Minnesota, Financial Empowerment Network, Futures Without Violence, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., Golden State Opportunity, Grow Brooklyn, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks!, Housing Action Illinois, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, In the Public Interest, Income Movement, Indivisible Georgia Coalition, ISAIAH (MN), Jobs with Justice, LIFT Inc, LIFT-DC, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Equal Justice, MakingChange, Inc, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), Maryland Center on Economic Policy, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Meals4Families, Minnesota Budget Project, Mothers Outreach Network, My Money Story, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, National Organization for Women, National Rural Social Work Caucus, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Mexico Voices for Children, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Northwest Progressive Institute, Oregon Center for Public Policy, Oxfam America, Prepare + Prosper, Prosperity Indiana, Public Good Law Center, RAISE Texas, Responsible Wealth, RESULTS, RESULTS DC/MD, RESULTS.org-Massachusetts, Rise Up WV, RootsAction, San Diego for Every Child, SiX Action, Social Work Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality, State Innovation Exchange, Strong Economy For All Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Texas, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a Fair Economy, United for Respect, United Way of Frederick County, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Upper West Side Action Group, Vesta Prosperity, Voices for Progress, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, Women Employed, and Young Invincibles.

“A free, direct e-filing tax return system is a fundamental taxpayer right,” said Nina Olson, Executive Director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former National Taxpayer Advocate. “Just as the government designs and printed paper tax forms for years, so should it design and maintain a user-friendly electronic filing option for individual taxpayers.”

“Americans across the country are struggling with high costs and having trouble making ends meet, so it’s especially frustrating that we no longer have the option to use the free Direct File online filing software developed by the IRS,” said Susan Harley, managing director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division. “The Direct File Act would put back in place this commonsense cost saving option for filers and once and for all ensure that corporations aren’t allowed to keep their stranglehold on tax filing. Public Citizen and our partners applaud Senator Warren, Representative Sherman, and their colleagues for their leadership on this critical issue.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.

“The Constitution is clear: the President does not have the authority to take the United States into sustained military conflict without Congressional authorization. If these strikes risk escalation into a broader war, Congress must be consulted and fulfill its responsibility. I will vote for the bipartisan War Powers resolution in the House next week to reassert that authority.

“As Congress’ only Ph.D. physicist, I am particularly concerned about the nuclear implications. Last June, the Administration declared that prior strikes had ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program. That was not a technically credible assessment then, and the fact that further strikes are now being justified on nuclear grounds makes that clear. Military strikes on facilities are not the same as eliminating fissile material.

“The central question is whether Iran’s stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium has been fully accounted for. That material is weapons-usable. Without continuous monitoring, transparency, and verified accounting of that stockpile, claims that the nuclear threat has been neutralized are not technically credible.

“The Iranian regime is brutal, repressive, and openly hostile to democratic values. There is no question that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a grave threat to regional and global security. But military force against political targets cannot solve this problem. We need restored international nuclear inspections, a full accounting or destruction of enriched uranium stocks, and sustained diplomacy to prevent further escalation and mitigate the threat of nuclear catastrophe.”

 

###