Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on War Powers Resolution Vote To Address Trump Administration’s Iranian Strikes

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement regarding her vote on the War Powers Resolution that would restrain Trump's power in the Middle East and Iran:

"Yesterday, I voted YES to the War Powers Resolution, to reign in Trump's unfettered action in Iran. While the resolution did not pass the House, I am committed to reigning in President Trump's foreign policy overreach. Our Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to declare war."

"Iran has employed authoritarian, anti-democratic practices that have severely oppressed the Iranian people. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a regime that consistently oppressed the Iranian people, wrongfully targeted voices of dissent within their population, and violently restricted the rights of women and girls, leading to an overall degradation of human rights. In January, alone, there was abundant reporting of the Iranian state, under Khamenei's leadership, murdering as many as 36,000 protesters. His human rights violations and abuses are undeniable and required action."

"Khamenei's death is a victory to countless Iranians that have been fighting for the freedom, justice and democracy we all deserve."

"However, President Trump's rash actions in the region bypassed proper Congressional approval, launching us into a war with one of the most powerful and dangerous forces in the Middle East, without a clear cause or a specific goal."

"War has a cost. Going to war with Iran will not make Americans safer - in fact, it has put more of our loved ones at risk. Trump's actions have already severely endangered the lives of our brave American service members, now leading to a death toll of six, with the number of injuries still rising. These are daughters, sons, dear friends, neighbors, and more - all of whom deserved proper protection from Iranian retaliation."

"Yet, the Trump administration has blatantly disregarded this reality, and has provided little reasoning and strategy regarding the intended outcomes of the war or their plan to minimize casualties in their military operations. Despite repeated questions from Members of Congress, the Trump administration has continuously shifted their rationale for the Iranian strikes, exposing their complete lack of planning and preparation for a conflict of this magnitude."

"Yet, many Republicans have decided to blindly endorse Trump's war. This reckless foreign policy puts innocent Americans and Iranians in grave danger. Americans deserve more, especially as they scramble to make ends meet."

"As families across the country struggle to put food on the table and navigate a rising cost of living, Trump is hurling us into an outrageously expensive war that could cost hardworking Americans billions. It's unforgivable. Last year, the Trump administration claimed that extending ACA tax credits was too expensive, yet a war with Iran could cost the United States $1 billion a day."

"How is there money available for a war, but none for hardworking families struggling to get by? When questioned about how a war with Iran could worsen gas prices, he dismissed the concern, saying, 'If they rise, they rise,' claiming that war was "more important." When will Republicans finally put the American people first?"

"Americans deserve transparency. The Iranian people deserve leadership that upholds the tenets of a proper democracy. For this to be done effectively, President Trump must abide by proper Congressional channels to ensure American troops are kept out of harm's way and to facilitate the transition of democratic Iranian leadership."

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