ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Strikes on Iran
Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after voting for S.J.Res.59, a joint resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to terminate hostilities against Iran unless Congress passes a declaration of war or an authorization for use of military force (AUMF). The resolution does not constrain the President’s authority to defend U.S. troops or come to the aid of Israel if attacked.
“Tonight, I voted for Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution that would ensure President Trump does not start a war with Iran that Congress did not authorize and the American people do not want. This resolution reiterates that President Trump, just like any president, must come to Congress to approve the use of military force—he cannot unilaterally declare war on Iran over the objections of Congress and the American people.
“I left yesterday’s classified briefing with many unanswered questions about President Trump’s strikes on Iran, the path forward, and importantly, whether this administration is intentionally misleading the public about the success of its unauthorized operation. Congress needs to know the strategy and the end game here—and this administration must provide the answers necessary for us to exercise our constitutional oversight responsibilities.
“I will continue to demand answers from this administration and speak up on behalf of my constituents in Washington state, who do not want to be dragged into another forever war.”
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