Harris, Klobuchar, Gillibrand: Lead to Stop War in Iran & Venezuela
Just Foreign Policy
When Congress passed the Bernie Sanders – Mike Lee – Chris Murphy Yemen War Powers Resolution, there was much talk about how Congress was turning a page on its post-Iraq failures to defend its Constitutional war powers. "Enough is enough. There’s a new Sheriff in town."
Now we have to put those promises to the test. Trump has been threatening to use force in Iran and Venezuela without Congressional authorization, in violation of Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. So far, Congress has done nothing to stop him, including the Democratic-controlled House led by Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer.
That could change with two bills before the Senate and the House.
Senator Udall’s S.1039, the “Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act of 2019” – has 14 co-sponsors, including Rand Paul, Dick Durbin, Bernie Sanders, Chris Murphy, and Elizabeth Warren. Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand haven’t co-sponsored yet.
Its House companion H.R.2354 has 18 co-sponsors. Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer can put this bill on the House floor for a vote any time they want. More co-sponsors will help pressure Pelosi and Hoyer to put the bill on the floor for a vote.
Senator Merkley’s S.J.Res.11, the “Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Resolution of 2019,” has five co-sponsors, including Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey, Patrick Leahy, and Elizabeth Warren. Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand haven’t co-sponsored yet.
Its House companion H.R.1004 has 72 co-sponsors. Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer can put this bill on the floor for a vote any time they want. More co-sponsors will help pressure Pelosi and Hoyer to put the bill on the floor for a vote.
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