Heinrich Statement on Senate Republicans Blocking War Powers Resolution on Iran

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement condemning Senate Republicans for blocking a War Powers Resolution he cosponsored, which would direct President Trump to end military operations in Iran if not explicitly authorized by Congress.

"Following the law is not optional. Following the Constitution is not optional. If President Trump wants to take this country to war with Iran, he is required to seek and secure congressional approval. Americans do not want another endless, costly war that puts American service members and countless civilians in harm's way.

"Trump campaigned on ending wars. Instead, he has unilaterally started one - without a defined objective, without a strategy, and without a clear measure of success. As I've already stated, I have serious and longstanding concerns about Iran's controlling regime - its brutal repression of its own people and its threats against the United States. But none of that gives President Trump license to ignore the law. What he has done is dangerous, destabilizing, and does nothing to lower costs for American families. It is a transparent attempt to distract from his failing economic record, rising prices, and the growing scrutiny surrounding his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.

"Let's be clear: Senate Republicans had an opportunity to uphold the rule of law and stand for the will of the American people. They failed to do both."

On Saturday, Heinrich released a statement in response to Trump's attack on Iran without congressional approval. In his statement, Heinrich underscored, "Americans don't want another war, let alone another drawn-out, costly war - they want lower costs at home and no more distractions."

The text of the War Powers Resolution is here.

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