Skip to main content

Rep. Chu Votes to Prevent Unauthorized War With Iran

January 9, 2020

Washington, DC — Today, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 83 to terminate the use of US Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran, unless approved by Congress. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) voted for the resolution and issued the following statement:

"America does not want a war with Iran. Nor are there any political objectives that can reasonably be achieved through force. Provoking a conflict with Iran, as the President has done since tearing up the Iran Nuclear Deal, only makes America, our allies, and the whole region less safe. That is why today I am proud to vote for this resolution, in accordance with the War Powers Act, to prevent an unauthorized war with Iran.

"The Constitution gives the sole power to declare war to Congress. This is unambiguous, although the President does have the ability to act to defend the United States or to stop an imminent threat. However, as the reactions from both Democrats and Republicans following yesterday's intelligence briefing from the Administration have shown, Trump has completely failed to demonstrate such an imminent threat. We cannot be dragged into another unwinnable Middle East war because of vague innuendo and unsubstantiated assurances from an untrustworthy administration.

"The threat from Iran is real. But when dealing with threats, we must always consider if our actions will make America safer or inspire more violence. Instead of being drawn into a war, the best way to constrain Iran is through the multilateral diplomacy that produced the historic nuclear deal. Today, Congress made a clear statement that no war with Iran has been authorized. And I hope this helps to return us to the path of diplomacy and peace."