Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Vote for War Powers Resolution

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution to stop the President's unauthorized war in the Middle East.

"Today, I voted in favor of the War Powers resolution to reaffirm Congress's constitutional responsibility in decisions of war and peace. The Constitution is clear - the authority to declare war rests with Congress, and the American people deserve transparency and accountability before our nation is drawn into another open-ended military conflict costing precious American lives and taxpayers billions.

"Our service members deserve leadership guided by strategy, oversight, and respect for the rule of law, not unilateral decisions that risk escalating tensions without a clear plan. Congress must play its role to ensure that any use of military force reflects the will of the American people and the long-term interest of our nation. This vote is about restoring constitutional balance and ensuring that decisions of such consequence are made with the full accountability the public deserves.

"This moment did not arise from an imminent threat to the United States, but from a series of erratic and unilateral actions that have brought us closer to a widespread instability. Americans have seen the cost of prolonged conflicts that begin without clear objectives or accountability. We owe it to our service members and their families to ensure that decisions that could put them in harm's way are made with deliberation, transparency, and the full participation of Congress. Independent estimates place the cost of this war at over $3 billion already. That's over $890 million each day the war goes on. President Trump's war of choice is taking away funding which could be used for programs such as children's healthcare, housing, or restoring SNAP benefits to help families put food on the table - which were cut by Congressional Republicans last year. Exercising our constitutional responsibility today helps prevent reckless escalation and reinforces the principle that decisions of war and peace must never be made lightly."

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.