Leger Fernández Statement on House Blockage of Iran War Powers Resolution

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement after the House voted against the Iran War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res. 38), which would have reasserted Congress’ constitutional authority to decide whether the United States should go to war. The Congresswoman voted for the resolution. “ Republicans always find the money for bombs, but somehow never worry about helping Americans afford healthcare. Today, alongside the President, they have made a choice to spend billions on yet another war in the Middle East, ” said Leger Fernández. “I voted for the War Powers Resolution because Congress has a constitutional duty to decide when our nation goes to war. If American lives are on the line, the American people deserve a debate and a vote through their elected representatives. Americans are dying. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Chaos and instability are spreading. What message does this send to every American, every servicemember risking their life, and every family member worrying about their loved ones? I voted to condemn the Iranian regime. But the American people deserve answers: how much will this cost in American lives and American resources? What are we doing?  Why are we there? What is the plan? We have seen this story before. The War on Terror cost the United States nearly $8 trillion. This time, President Trump bears responsibility for how we got here. He tore up the agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear program and just last June claimed he had ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear facilities. We need lower costs and stability, not another forever war and Trump’s chaos,” she concluded.