Durbin Votes For War Powers Resolution Requiring Congressional Authority For Further U.S. Military Action Against Iran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after the Senate failed to pass Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) war powers resolution, which would require a prompt debate and vote prior to using additional U.S. military force against Iran. Kaine introduced theresolutionon June 16 as violence was escalating in the Middle East. His resolution became even more important after President Trump bombed three Iranian nuclear sites last weekend without Congressional authority. Unfortunately, the resolution failed in the Senate by a vote of 47-53.
“The Senate should not be led into another war in the Middle East without the consent of the American people through Congress. Our founders knew this point. We’ve already ceded too much congressional power on appropriations and other key items—we should not cede when it comes to war. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues don’t share this sentiment. Our recent experiences in Iraq should be a stark reminder of becoming embroiled in wars in the Middle East.”
Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states that the power to declare war is an explicit power of Congress and Congress overwhelmingly reaffirmed this constitutional provision when it passed theWar Powers Actin 1973 over the veto of President Nixon.
-30-