Leader Schumer Floor Remarks After Senate Republicans Once Again Refused To Side With The American People And End President Trump’s War Of Choice In Iran

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor slamming Senate Republicans for their refusal to stand up to Donald Trump and his highly unpopular war of choice and vote for a War Powers Resolution. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

There's an old saying that success has a thousand fathers, but failure is an orphan.

The Republicans who voted against our War Powers Resolution yesterday, they may try to dodge responsibility for Trump's failed war, but they have joint custody over this debacle. And certainly, the war is a debacle.

After 48 days of destruction, carnage, and soaring costs here in America and around the world, Trump has no idea how to end this war, just as he had no plan when he started it.

All this war has gotten us is a more radical Iranian regime with greater nuclear ambitions, a closed Strait of Hormuz, skyrocketing gas costs, and the ire of the world.

Is anyone surprised that only 1 in 4 Americans think Operation Epic Failure has been worth it? That's what we call it: "Operation Epic Failure." Trump isn't practicing the "Art of the Deal," Trump is practicing the "Art of Defeat" and he seems all too good at it.

Republicans are kidding themselves if they think they can distance themselves from Trump's Iran blunder by sitting on the sidelines. When it comes to war and peace, the most important decision a legislator can make, Republicans in the Senate and the House have an obligation to take a stand, but they're putting their heads in the sand. They haven't even had one hearing on this war. This war is going on close to 50 days, creating huge problems for our economy, huge problems for our national security, and not one hearing? What are you afraid of?

Republicans have had four opportunities to support our War Powers Resolution, to finally reassert Congress's constitutional authority, and each time they've said no.

But this debate is not over. Next week Republicans will have to answer the question again: do you want endless war with Iran, yes or no?

Senate Democrats will bring our War Powers Resolution to the floor for a vote next week and every week that Trump's war continues. Republican silence is a stamp of approval, saying they will support, acquiesce, and go along with this disaster.

I thank Senator Duckworth for introducing this resolution and arguing it so eloquently as only she can. And I want to thank Senator Kaine for keeping this pressing issue top of mind for the Senate and for the nation. The same goes for Senator Booker and so many in our caucus who have done the same.

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