Representative Derek Tran Votes to Preserve Congressional Authority Over War Powers

Washington, DC -U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) voted in favor of H.Con.Res 61and H.Con.Res 64, two War Powers Resolutions asserting Congressional authority over declarations of war following the Trump Administration's unsanctioned strikes against alleged Venezuelan cartel vessels in the Caribbean Sea.

"As a proud Army Veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I voted in favor of War Powers Resolutions, H.Con.Res 61 and H.Con.Res 64, to ensure that any decision to go to war honors constitutional procedure. The power to declare war rests firmly with Congress, not the President or his unelected advisors in the Office of Legal Counsel," said Representative Tran."The Trump Administration has repeatedly promised to end U.S. involvement in forever wars. In bypassing Congress to conduct military actions in the Caribbean Sea, the President is breaking that promise and abandoning the principles of war enshrined in our Constitution. I'm committed to preserving the separation of powers and fighting for meaningful, humane policies that secure our borders and keep our communities safe."

On September 2, 2025, forgoing Congressional authorization, the Department of Defense carried out two strikes against a supposed Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea, during which survivors of an initial bombing were targeted and killed in a second strike that followed shortly after. The Administration has since ordered a total of 25 strikes without Congressional notification or approval, killing 95 individuals whose identities are largely unknown to the public. These unilateral military actions have been justified based on legal judgment from the Office of Legal Counsel, an entity whose authority is not recognized by the U.S. Constitution.

H.Con.Res 61 and H.Con.Res 64 would require President Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities within 60 days of initial military action absent a declaration of war or statutory authorization from Congress. One 30-day extension is possible, but the 90-day period during which executive military action is justified has passed.

Serving his first term in Congress, Representative Tran was appointed to the powerful House Armed Services Committee, overseeing the Department of Defense. Following offensive U.S. military actions against Iran conducted without Congressional oversight, Tran cosponsored a Congressional war powers resolutionreaffirming that Congress, not the executive branch, reserves the right to declare war. Tran serves as a co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force,bringing together expertise in Congress to develop policy solutions to the most pressing national security challenges facing our country. Representative Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 and served for eight years. He was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California's 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.