Ranking Member McCollum Votes Yes on War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum voted yes on the bipartisan Massie-Khanna War Powers resolution (H.Con.Res.38), directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after the resolution failed by a vote of 212-219:

"President Trump has unilaterally taken our nation to war against Iran. The President's decision is an unlawful violation of the War Powers Act, and it is against the Constitution. There was no imminent threat posed to the United States from Iran. Congress has authorized no military action. The Administration's rationale for military strikes changes by the hour. The President has failed to give Congress - and the American people - a straight answer.

"The damage across the Middle East is immense. And tragically the lives of six American service members have been lost, including a fellow Minnesotan from White Bear Lake, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor. We are forever grateful for their service to our nation, and their families are in our prayers.

"President Trump's war is out of control, and it is our job in Congress to rein in his administration. This War Powers Resolution was an important opportunity to do so, and it is unfortunate that Republicans chose to endorse the president's reckless war."