As Administration Plays Iran War Games, House Members Launch "No War With Iran Caucus"
WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Jim McGovern, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Ilhan Omar, and Peter Welch were joined by several other Members in announcing the newly-formed No War With Iran Caucus (NWIC). The NWIC will be a home to organize, disseminate information, and help unify Members of Congress behind efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran. The American people deserve to be informed and know the truth at a time when the truth and real information seem to have no meaning to the President. A recent poll showed that 24% of those surveyed favor limited military action, and 58% were against any military action.
“Last week, we were reportedly minutes from a launch of a military attack against Iran. That event was the culmination of a series of actions by the Trump Administration destined to provoke conflict,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip. “First, the Administration pulled us out of the successful Iran Deal with no plan to replace it, leaving our international allies who were party to the carefully crafted agreement. Then, the administration renewed harsh unilateral sanctions. Next, John Bolton, a self-declared pro-war-with-Iran advocate was named National Security Advisor. Now we see a series of questionable actions in the Gulf that have escalated the situation to the precipice of war. Congress must make clear that the Administration must come to Congress to seek express authorization for any use of force against Iran.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)stated, “I am proud to join Reps. Schakowsky, Waters, and McGovern in establishing the No War With Iran Caucus. As Trump and Pompeo continue to provoke a war with Iran, it’s more important than ever that Congress reassert its Constitutional authority on matters of war and peace. Trump’s Iran policy is responsible for this self-inflicted crisis, and Congress must do everything in its power to avoid another unnecessary war in the Middle East. I am also proud to be working with Reps. Price and Schakowsky on a very necessary resolution to encourage the United States to immediately de-escalate tensions with Iran through sustained diplomacy, re-enter the Iran deal and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons through a principled follow-on agreement. As the sole vote against the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, I continue to stand against granting any president a blank check for war without prior congressional approval.”
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43),Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, stated, “Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and impose crippling economic sanctions on Iran was a reckless act that needlessly escalated tensions with Iran. Now, Donald Trump, his hawkish National Security Advisor John Bolton, and his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, are undertaking actions that are clearly designed to provoke a hostile reaction from Iran. While no one would deny that Iran is a hostile and potentially dangerous adversary, we cannot afford to take impulsive actions that will cause tensions to escalate and risk starting a deadly war. Perhaps this president believes that if he drags the country into a conflict with Iran, the American people and Congress will rally behind him. Perhaps he thinks that a war is a diversionary tactic. But if this is what Donald Trump is thinking, he is absolutely wrong. I am proud to join with my colleagues to launch this important caucus and send a strong message to Donald Trump: No War with Iran.”
Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02)added, “this is a crisis of the president’s own making. The United States had a deal to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The President withdrew us from that deal,” said McGovern. “The lack of leadership from this White House is, quite frankly, alarming — I am deeply concerned that this president is going to bumble and fumble his way into a war. That’s why we are standing together to say enough is enough. Democrats do not want war with Iran. Republicans do not want war with Iran. And the American people do not want war with Iran. Period.”
“Americans do not want another war in the Middle East. Congress must assert its clear authority under the Constitution to check this erratic president and the ideologues in his administration who seem hell-bent on going to war with Iran,” said Congressman Peter Welch (VT-At Large).
The NWIC will be a home to organize, disseminate information, and help unify the Caucus behind efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran. The American people deserve to be informed and know the truth at a time when the truth and real information seem to have no meaning to the President.
Iran’s problematic actions in the region need to be contained and Iran must be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Both efforts can be achieved without a dangerous and reckless war on Trump/Bolton terms. War with Iran would have a devastating impact on U.S. national security as well; on the safety and wellbeing of our regional allies; and would further destabilize the region.
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