WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan voted to pass a bipartisan War Powers Resolution, of which she was an original cosponsor. This legislation reasserts Congress’ authority as the sole body to declare war and makes clear that the President does not have authorization for the use of military force against Iran. This resolution passed the House 224-194.

“Qaesm Soleimani had the blood of thousands on his hands. Under his leadership, the Iranian regime has supported terrorism around the world and consistently worked to undermine the national security of the United States and our allies. On January 3^rd, under the President’s orders, our military carried out a fatal attack on Qasem Soleimani. This was done, evidently, without notifying Congress or any of our allies.

“Four days later, on January 7^th, Iran launched ballistic missiles at the Ayn al-Asad airbase in Al Anbar Governorate, Western Iraq, and an airbase in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which housed United States and coalition forces. Thankfully, there were no casualties.

“The President and his Administration have a responsibility to explain to the American people what information precipitated this decision and the strategy going forward in a volatile region.

“As a Member of Congress who sits on both the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, I will continue pushing for these answers. I respect the President’s authority to defend our nation and respect his role as Commander-in-Chief. He does not, however, have the power to declare war. That authority lies solely with Congress.

“Today, I took a vote that reasserted our Congressional authority and takes an important first step towards the aggressive pursuit of diplomacy in order to protect our servicemembers, diplomats, and civilians in the region and across the world.”

This resolution:

*Directs the President to terminate U.S. military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it, or the use is necessary to defend against an imminent armed attack on the United States or our armed forces
*Clarifies it does nothing to prevent the President from coming to Congress for authorization if Iran attacks our allies or partners, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. It also clarifies that it does nothing to prevent the President from using force against al Qaeda or its associated forces.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She’s in her first term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Small Business Committee.

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