Rep. Mike Levin Issues Statement on War Powers Resolution to Limit Military Conflict with Iran
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) issued the following statement after cosponsoring a War Powers Resolution to limit the President’s military actions regarding Iran. The resolution requires the President to seek an Authorization for Use of Military Force before taking the country into a war with Iran, but does not prevent the United States from defending itself from an imminent attack.
“As the representative for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, I know that our servicemembers are prepared for any mission, but the military families I represent – like all Americans - do not want another endless war in the Middle East,” said Rep. Levin. “That is why I cosponsored the War Powers Resolution underscoring that the Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. My top concern is for the safety of U.S. servicemembers and other American personnel in harm’s way, and I believe more than ever that the President has no clear, consistent strategy to de-escalate this conflict, protect Americans and our allies in the region, and effectively address hostilities by Iran. The President must follow the Constitution and consult Congress on any next steps.”
Representative Levin received a classified briefing on the strike killing Qasem Soleimani, which did not provide information indicating a threat on U.S. forces was imminent, and did not provide a legitimate legal basis for the strike.
In addition to cosponsoring the War Powers Resolution, Representative Levin voted for legislation in the recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have barred the President from using federal dollars for military action against Iran without congressional approval, and he cosponsored new legislation that would have the same effect. He also voted for legislation to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, which would help strengthen Congressional oversight over war powers and prevent any President from misusing that authorization. Representative Levin also cosponsored legislation led by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) that prohibits funds from being used for kinetic military operations against Iran unless Congress authorizes such an action, with various exceptions such as in response to an imminent threat.
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