Motion to Discharge--S.J. Res. 59
Floor Speech
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Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, the most significant responsibility and heavy burden a President has is the determination of when to engage the Armed Forces of our Nation. Such decisions can both cost and save lives.
This past Saturday, President Trump directed our military to respond to a growing threat that Iran could weaponize nuclear material and deliver a nuclear weapon. With escalating tensions between our ally Israel and our adversary Iran, the President made the decision to deter and delay the capabilities Iran has to deliver a nuclear weapon. What we know to date from our intelligence sources is that the President's actions were significant and successful.
The U.S. Constitution splits the responsibility of the use of military force between the legislative and executive branches. Having received a classified and thorough briefing from our military, intelligence, and diplomatic officials, I conclude that the President acted within his constitutional authorities.
I welcome the return to a stricter constitutional balance of power between the branches of government. Under the circumstances of the recent actions of the President and the timing of the offering of the resolution now before the Senate, we should not adopt the resolution, which states, in part:
Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran . . . unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war.
With continuing threat from Iran against Israel, the dangers to American military men and women in the region, and because of the potential for terrorist acts upon U.S. interests within and without our borders, I believe the President has the constitutional authority and responsibility to defend the United States and its interests against imminent threats. I appreciate the President's decisive action and express gratitude and respect for the men and women of the military who carried out his orders, and I support the President in his efforts to find a peaceful resolution to hostilities in the region.
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