Skip to main content

CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION

January 9, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Vice Chair of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the U. S. House of Representatives approved H. Con. Res. 83, the War Powers Resolution, by a vote of 224 to 194:

"The President has a duty to protect Americans from imminent threats, using military force when necessary. But the President also has a duty to provide an explanation to Congress within 48 hours. Soleimani was indeed a bad actor, deserving of retribution for decades of hostilities against Americans. However, the Administration has sadly failed to provide any credible evidence that at the time of the strike, there was such an imminent threat.

"Using military force without either an imminent threat or Congressional approval is not only reckless and dangerous, it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. The President has made the Middle East more dangerous for the United States and our allies. From withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal, to aggressive rhetoric, the President has brought the United States and Iran to the brink of war.

"This bipartisan, bicameral resolution reaffirms the limits on the President's use of military force, while not disrupting current operations against ISIS and al Qaeda or limiting the President's ability to act in self-defense of America or our allies. I am hopeful cooler heads will prevail and all diplomatic efforts are exhausted before the further use of military force, provided that it is in close consultation with both Houses of Congress."