Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the passage of the War Powers Resolution Limiting the President’s Military Actions Regarding Iran. Kuster was an original cosponsor of this resolution and has been vocal about the need to pursue diplomacy and prevent an unnecessary war in the Middle East.

“As a Member of Congress, my first responsibility is to keep New Hampshire families and the American people safe. Today, I voted for a War Powers Resolution to limit the White House’s unilateral military actions in Iran – we must protect our national security and prevent the United States from entering an unnecessary war in the Middle East. The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war. This is a decision that should be made by the people – not one person. We are stronger when we work together – I urge President Trump to work with Congress to advance a de-escalatory strategy to prevent further violence and protect Americans at home and abroad.

“There is no question that Qassem Soleimani had American blood on his hands, and I agree with the President that his victims deserve justice. However, I am deeply concerned by the Trump Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities with Iran without consulting Congress and without a clear objective or strategy moving forward. I worry that the consequences of this decision may make Americans at home and abroad less safe in the coming months. The Administration must provide Congress and the American people with their stated objective and strategic plans going forward for the 15,000 troops that have now been deployed to the region. Now is the time to pause and take a step back to engage diplomacy and re-open constructive discussions that will de-escalate tensions in the region. We also must prepare to defend Americans at home and abroad from terror and cyber-attacks. I am glad to see that President Trump appears to be stepping back from further military attacks in the region. I sincerely hope that he will listen to the defense and intelligence analysis of risks to American interests and that he will prioritize the safety of our troops and Americans at home and around the world.”

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