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. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, President Trump launched military operations against the terrorist Iranian regime, alongside our ally, Israel, killing the Ayatollah and many of his top lieutenants in the IRGC and the council of clerics.
This operation came after almost a year of negotiations to reach a diplomatic solution to end Iran's nuclear ambitions, ballistic missiles program, and funding of terrorism. Time and again, we were left emptyhanded because of the regime's unwillingness to honestly negotiate in good faith.
After exhausting all potential diplomatic means, only then did the President initiate Operation Epic Fury.
It is also important to point out that this engagement is not a new war. The Iranian regime has been at war with America for 47 years.
They have been attacking Americans, our military, our allies, and our partners. They advocate for death to America. They hate us. They hate America. They hate Israel. They hate Europe. They hate the West. They massacre their own people for simple public dissent and peaceful protest.
They send money to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terror proxies around the world with the express interest of killing Americans and Israelis. They funded the October 7 terrorist attack that murdered and kidnapped not just Israelis but Americans. The Ayatollah and his conspirators paid the ultimate price.
This is the maximum pressure campaign President Trump advocated for. This is how we secure our national security so that Americans can be free and safe and our allies in the Middle East can be free and safe.
The long-term strategic benefits here in regard to peace and stability are immense. The only way to ensure peace and economic prosperity in the Middle East is to eliminate the single greatest threat to it.
As far as the War Powers Act goes, the President is fully compliant. Congress was notified. Congress was briefed. The fact is that the President has 60 to 90 days to conduct this operation. If Congress sees fit at that time, we will address it.
Mr. Speaker, to try to unilaterally end this operation puts our national security at risk, puts our troops at risk, and puts our allies at risk.
Iran is belligerently striking Arab partners as we speak. They are hitting civilian sites and trying to kill American soldiers. In fact, they have killed six.
Many of my colleagues said nothing when Barack Obama engaged in a 7- month campaign in Libya. In fact, when a War Powers Resolution was on this floor, many opposed it, including Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader.
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Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, the fact is that when we look back, Presidents of both parties have acted under Article II and without the express authorization of Congress.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it best when she said that Barack Obama could conduct the operation in Libya for 7 months and did not require congressional authority.
Stop being hyperpartisan hypocrites and acknowledge the simple fact that the President is legally justified. Vote ``no'' on this War Powers Resolution.
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