Congressman Adam Smith on Lebanon War Powers Resolution Vote

June 9, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement: "I voted against the Lebanon war powers resolution (H.Con.Res. 84) last night. As written, it would have removed all American troops from Lebanon – a country where we are not engaged in hostilities – but do provide important security cooperation with the Lebanese government that help professionalize their forces. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority over matters of war and military engagement. I am deeply opposed to Israel and Hezbollah’s conflict, but this resolution swept too broadly to do that responsibly. "The resolution directed the President to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from Lebanon within seven days. This would have implicated essential support including servicemembers who protect our embassy. Previous war powers resolutions have been carefully drafted to specify removal of U.S. Armed Forces from "hostilities," not from the country entirely, in order to avoid these unintended effects. "I'm pleased that Rep. Tlaib has filed a new version of the resolution (H.Con.Res. 108), that fixes this drafting flaw. I will support this corrected resolution. By directing removal from any hostilities in Lebanon and ensuring the continuation of security cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces and embassy protection, this revised resolution prevents unauthorized U.S. military involvement in hostilities while preserving our partnerships and diplomatic presence. I will continue to support the Lebanese people who have suffered due to this conflict."