Directing the President Pursuant to Section 5(C) of the War Powers Resolution to Remove United States Armed Forces From Unauthorized Hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Floor Speech

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Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, and still I rise, supportive of this measure which would bring an end to United States involvement in hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Decisions of war and peace are some of the most serious and consequential that could be made by our government, and as such the framers of the Constitution delegated the power to declare war exclusively to Congress, the body meant to represent the will and deliberation of the people themselves. The purpose of this delegation of power was in part to ensure no single person could be influenced by poor judgment to make a deadly miscalculation.

This is precisely what is happening to us today. President Trump, emboldened by a questionable operation in Venezuela and manipulated by Prime Minister Netanyahu, has sacrificed American lives and military resources in a regime change operation. The American people have been very vocal with their elected officials. They are tired of war. They want us to focus our energy and treasure on improving American lives at home.

War in all its forms is Hell. Only occasionally, and after careful consideration, can this Hell on Earth be considered necessary. It is Congress' duty to conduct this deliberation, and to ensure no one person can declare war. Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority to declare war. Mr. Speaker, I will vote for this resolution.

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