Washington, D.C. -Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted for the Iran War Powers Resolution, a bipartisan measure to curb the Trump Administration's major military campaign in Iran:

"Today's vote on the Iran War Powers Resolution represents a complete failure from Congressional Republicans to hold the Trump Administration accountable for its unauthorized military actions that threaten further destabilization of the Middle East. I cosponsored and voted for the resolution to call for the immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iran because after six American servicemembers have already died during this war of choice, even one more life lost is too many. We cannot allow the Administration to continue down this path without consultation and authorization by Congress.

"The separation of powers exists for a reason, and only Congress has the power to declare war. Iran must not be permitted to develop nuclear weapon capabilities, but the Administration claimed its June 2025 unauthorized air strikes 'completely and totally obliterated' Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities, and a Pentagon assessment a month later found that Iran's nuclear program was likely set back around two years. Absent any evidence of an imminent threat to the United States, our territories or troops, President Trump should have continued diplomatic efforts or sought authorization for military action from Congress. Waging a war of choice only sheds American blood with no clear long-term strategy.

"In a time of extreme executive overreach, Congress must act to prevent the Trump Administration from asserting unilateral authority over the future of our nation and the well-being of our servicemembers. Republican leadership, however, seems more concerned with bending the knee than taking a stand for our Constitution and de-escalating the situation in Iran and the surrounding region. I'll continue to urge this Administration to keep our troops safe and work towards peace."