Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized offensive hostilities in Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force:

“Let me be clear: the Iranian regime and its support for terrorist proxies have wreaked havoc across the region—targeting U.S. servicemembers, Israel, our allies, and its own people, all while advancing dangerous missile and nuclear programs that threaten global security. It is a threat that must not be ignored,” said Rep. Frankel.

“At the same time, the Constitution clearly gives Congress the authority to declare war and requires the President to receive congressional authorization before engaging in sustained military force. Shockingly, the Trump Administration has spent very little time briefing Congress while issuing contradictory statements about its objectives and plans moving forward.

War is too serious a decision to be made by one person alone—our Constitution requires checks and balances before sending Americans into harm’s way,” Rep. Frankel continued. “If the President intends to continue this war, he must come to Congress and seek authorization from the representatives of the American people. And, importantly, the President has a responsibility to inform the country about the risks, rationale, and purposes of the war.

As the mother of a United States Marine Veteran who was deployed to two wars, I know that sending Americans into combat is a life-and-death decision. My heart is broken for the families who have lost loved ones in this conflict, and I am keeping our brave servicemembers and their families in my thoughts as the war unfolds.”