Washington, D.C. – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the Senate passed with bipartisan support Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-Va.) War Powers Resolution to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran without congressional authorization. Under the resolution, which was introduced in the wake of the strike that killed Iran’s Qasem Soleimani, Congress must authorize any hostilities with Iran through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. The resolution does not prevent the United States from defending itself from imminent attack. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar resolution with bipartisan support.
“Today, the Senate sent a clear message to President Trump: Congress and the American people will not stand by as his reckless actions toward Iran weaken our position, empower our adversaries, and move us closer to another unnecessary war in the region.
“From bypassing Congress to repurpose money for his border wall to stiff-arming congressional subpoenas, President Trump has shown a repeated willingness to abuse his power and flout constitutional checks and balances. He must heed this bipartisan resolution and work with Congress to develop a sound, long-term strategy to address the threat that Iran poses.”