Jayapal Statement on Iran War Powers Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding how she would have voted had she been able to be present for today's War Powers Resolution vote, which passed 215-208.

"Today, I am in India with my mother due to an unforeseen health emergency that required my presence. Had I been in Washington, D.C., I would have voted YES on the War Powers Resolution to end Trump's illegal war in Iran.

"Since President Trump's illegal war of choice on Iran began, I have been extremely clear over and over again that Congress alone has the power to declare war. This war has had disastrous effects for the American people and for the world in the nearly 100 days since Trump began it without congressional approval. Waged with absolutely no imminent threat and no endgame, this war has already killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and injured many more; killed thousands of civilians in Iran and Lebanon, and displaced millions more; wasted billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars that should have been spent on lowering healthcare and housing costs for Americans; and all while causing gas prices and grocery costs to skyrocket. The simple truth is that the American people are paying the price for Trump's lawlessness.

"Every day that this war continues is a violation of our Constitution. Today, Congress took a critically important step to reassert our power and stand against costly forever wars. Both the House and the Senate have now made clear in a bipartisan way: It's past time for Donald Trump to end this war."

Jayapal leads a War Powers Resolution that was introduced in April.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security