Rep. Tokuda Votes to Rein in President’s War Powers, Protect Servicemembers

Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) stood up for the Constitution and the lives of American servicemembers by voting in favor of H.Con.Res.38, a resolution prohibiting the President from using U.S. Armed Forces against Iran without explicit Congressional authorization. Following the vote, Rep Tokuda issued the following statement:

"I voted 'Yes' today because Congress cannot abandon its core responsibility under Article I of the Constitution to declare war. Make no mistake-the Iranian regime is a brutal and destabilizing force, which is why I also voted today on a resolution affirming that Iran remains the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism.

However, the ongoing strikes on Iran were taken unilaterally by the President, without clear justification presented to Congress and the American people, I cannot support entering what could become a prolonged conflict while the lives of our servicemembers and civilians are already at risk. Today's vote wasn't about politics; it was about the oath we took and the lives of Americans we represent. I will keep fighting to make sure that no administration exceeds its constitutional authority when it comes to matters of war."

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