Timmons Votes No on Democrats' War Powers ResolutionThe Speaker's actions were premature and passage of this resolution puts American lives and national interests at risk.
Washington, DC,
January 9, 2020
“Today, Speaker Pelosi forced a vote on a resolution that would severely limit the President’s ability to protect our nation. I voted no for many reasons. The U.S. took defensive action on January 2nd in an airstrike which killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of the IRGC-Quds Force, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Iranians and hundreds of U.S. servicemembers. The President was well within his rights as Commander-in-Chief to respond with decisive action against Iran given their aggression and escalation in the region. National Security and Intelligence officials briefed members of Congress this week on those airstrikes as well as the Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq. I am thankful that none of our soldiers or Iraqis were killed in these missile attacks. The officials presented clear and compelling evidence that attacks from the IRGC were imminent and U.S. lives were threatened. General Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that Soleimani was “planning, coordinating, and synchronizing significant combat operations against U.S. military forces,” therefore the President decided to act swiftly and decisively to protect American forces. Speaker Pelosi and her colleagues announced that Congress would vote on a War Powers Resolution limiting the President’s authority in Iran before Members had even been briefed by the Administration. In addition to requiring the termination of the use of Armed Forces in or against Iran, the resolution also prohibits the use of force against any part of Iran’s government or military even if they are threatening or attacking American civilians, diplomats, shipping, or allies, including Israel. Her actions were premature and passage of this resolution puts American lives and national interests at risk. I voted no." |