Senate Democrats Force Vote to End Controversial Iran War

Senate Democrats Challenge President on Iran Conflict

A group of Democratic senators is pushing for a vote in the U.S. Senate to end what they call an “illegal war of choice” in Iran. They argue that President Trump has taken the nation into conflict without proper congressional approval and that American lives and resources are being wasted. The senators plan to force weekly votes on war powers resolutions until the conflict ends or Congress acts.

Concerns Over War’s Rationale and Costs

Senator Tammy Duckworth stated that the president has “zero plans” to end the war and that Americans are paying the price. She highlighted the deployment of the USS Ford carrier strike group, which has had its deployment extended multiple times, sending sailors far from their families. “Will my son, will my daughter be deployed? When will my spouse come home? What is the reason? What is the plan in this illegal and unwise war?” she questioned, reflecting concerns heard from constituents.

Senator Chris Murphy criticized the lack of open hearings on the war, which has resulted in American deaths and significant economic costs. “We have six new colleagues who are announcing this week that they are also filing resolutions of disapproval, which means we have lots of resolutions teed up to continue to make sure that we have this debate and this vote on the Senate floor,” he said. He added that as the war becomes more unpopular and its costs rise, it will be harder for colleagues to support it.

Questioning the President’s Strategy and Judgment

Senator Mark Kelly bluntly stated, “The American people are poorer and less safe because of this president.” He criticized the president for entering a conflict without a clear strategic goal, plan, or timeline. “We have 13 dead Americans. We have 13 families out there that don’t have fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters,” Kelly noted. He also pointed to the billions spent and the potential for increased energy and food costs due to actions like attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Senator Jeff Merkley referenced the Constitution, stating, “The Constitution supposes what the history of all governments demonstrates, that it is the executive, the branch of power most interested in war and most prone to it.” He argued that the War Powers Act provides a mechanism for Congress to act as a check. “Each and every time we vote, and we’re going to be doing it week after week after week, we are saying to the Senate and to the House, exercise your constitutional responsibility to stop this war,” Merkley urged.

Human and Economic Toll

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed the anger and frustration of New Yorkers, stating that the president “lied” about lowering costs and being a president of peace. She highlighted that the war has cost the lives of 13 Americans, hundreds of children, and thousands of civilians, while gas prices have skyrocketed. “The American people will not stand for this kind of presidency and this war,” she declared, calling the president “reckless” and “insane.”

Senator Van Hollen echoed these sentiments, pointing out the loss of 13 American service members and thousands of civilian lives. He emphasized the daily cost of $2 billion, which drives up prices for consumers. “This from the president who said he was going to focus on lowering prices and ending wars. He lied and people are dying,” Van Hollen stated. He also questioned the president’s actions, noting that the Strait of Hormuz was open before the war began and that the president has claimed victory multiple times.

Constitutional Duty and Urgency

The senators stressed that the president’s actions and rhetoric, including threats of destroying entire civilizations, are deeply concerning and potentially violate international law. They believe Congress has a constitutional duty to reassert its authority over matters of war. “The Constitution is clear. The Declaration of War belongs to the Congress and not to the president,” said Senator Cory Booker. He called on Republican colleagues to “stand up and do their job.”

Regarding the 60-day limit under the War Powers Act, Senator Adam Schiff argued that the clock does not apply because the war was illegal from the start, given the absence of an imminent threat to the United States. “The danger to our service members will continue every day this goes on between now and 60 days,” he warned. Senator Tammy Baldwin added that if reaching the 60-day mark encourages more Republicans to vote for these resolutions, then it would be significant, but the immediate danger to service members means the war needs to end now.

Call for Accountability and Future Action

The senators are committed to continuing their push for votes and debates, despite Republican opposition. They believe that allowing the president to wage war without congressional authorization sets a dangerous precedent. “This government, this democracy does not work when an executive out of control isn’t checked by Congress,” stated Senator Booker. They are urging the American people to contact their representatives, especially Republican senators, to demand an end to the conflict and a return to congressional oversight and accountability.

The group plans to continue forcing votes and debates on the Senate floor each week. They aim to make it increasingly difficult for senators to avoid confronting the costs and consequences of the war. The fight is framed as a crucial moment for Congress to fulfill its constitutional role and act in accordance with the will of the American people, who they believe do not support this ongoing conflict.

Source: Democrats in the Senate push for vote to end Iran war (YouTube)