Cole: "This sends the wrong message to Iran"

Statement

Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted on two resolutions related to war powers. The first resolution would repeal the 2002 authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) in the Middle East without providing a replacement to ensure the U.S. military can continue to manage changing interests in the region. The second resolution would prohibit any future U.S. military operations against Iran -- even to defend against Iranian provocation and imminent threats to U.S. or allied personnel and service members. Cole opposed both measures today.

"I have long been supportive of having a debate about how Congress can reclaim its constitutional power to authorize and declare war. To be clear though, President Donald Trump has not waged war with Iran -- nor does he want to do so," said Cole. "Despite claims to the contrary, his record to date demonstrates incredible restraint and caution in dealing with the ever-aggressive Iranian regime. Unfortunately, the misguided measures pushed through the House by Democrats are clearly more about striking at the president than protecting American interests. This attempt to prevent the president from exercising his constitutional responsibility to defend the United States is indeed ill-timed and ultimately sends the wrong message to the Iranian regime about American resolve."

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