Following Trump Calls to Annihilate an “Entire Civilization,” Larson Votes to Withdraw U.S. Forces from Iran

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for H.Con.Res.40, a war powers resolution he cosponsored to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran, after Trump said, "a whole civilization will die tonight." Yesterday, the Senate voted on a similar resolution, but the vote failed 47-52, with only one Republican joining Democrats. In the House, H.Con.Res.40 failed by one vote.

"Last week, Trump threatened to wipe an entire nation off the face of the earth," said Larson. "Words matter, and no president has ever called for the annihilation of a 'civilization.' President Trump continues to act as if he is above the law - sending our troops to war in Iran without authorization and threatening war crimes. Thirteen servicemembers have already died, and he still refuses to come before Congress as he is bound to do by the Constitution. Donald Trump has shown he is unfit to serve as our Commander-in-Chief and must be reined in. Trump has failed to explain what the mission is and what the exit strategy is for our troops. He owes these answers to Congress, the American people, our troops, and the families of those who have died. Because Trump has failed to abide by the Constitution and the War Powers Act, this illegal war in Iran must come to an end now. We will continue to demand accountability from this rogue President, so our Armed Forces do not become entangled in another forever war in the Middle East."

Last month, Larson voted for a bipartisan war powers resolution to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran. In January, Larson voted to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Venezuela after Trump authorized operations there without prior Congressional approval. Larson also voted against the Iraq War in 2002.