Senator Murkowski Opposes War Powers Resolution

Senator Murkowski Opposes War Powers Resolution

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement regarding her vote on Senate Joint Resolution 104:

"We in Congress can debate the merits of the War Powers Act, but the hard reality is that the President has committed U.S. troops to active engagement in combat with an enemy that has targeted and killed Americans for decades. We have lost six soldiers in this fight with the potential for more casualties. What our troops need now is for our Congress, and this country, to know that they are supported. It is for this reason that I oppose Senator Kaine's War Powers Resolution-based on the practical implications of its passage.

"As written, it requires removal of troops from hostilities, leaving no room for operations that have already started to reach an even partially successful conclusion to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities. As Iran attacks everything it can, from military bases to embassies to civilian targets, we cannot tie our military's hands or abruptly leave our allies and partners to fight on their own.

"There is no question that the President should have sought authorization from Congress before striking Iran on this scale, likewise bringing in our allies ahead of time as they now are equally in danger. However, the abrupt cessation of all offensive operations would not leave any Americans-soldiers, diplomats, or civilians-in the Middle East in a safer position.

"The President acknowledged in his notification to Congress that no one knows the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary. It then becomes the duty of Congress to define the scope of this conflict, requiring the President to fully and transparently make his case for this action. We should begin drafting and debating an authorization for the use of military force, critically examining requests for supplemental funding, as well as conduct rigorous oversight hearings, so the American people know the limits and objectives of this military operation.

"My focus is on the safety of America's armed forces and the American civilians who are on the ground in the Middle East. At this point, we have little choice but to continue the military operation to degrade and destroy Iran's capability for nuclear weapons. That will not happen without support for our U.S. military."