Today, House Democrats forced a vote on two pieces of legislation that would severely limit the President’s constitutional authority to defend the United States. I voted no on both bills.

The first bill attempts to repeal the legal authority that the Trump and Obama Administrations relied on for military operations against ISIS and other threats in Iraq. Repealing existing  authorities without offering a viable replacement sends a dangerous message to our troops in the region, our allies and partners, and our enemies. Ending engagement prematurely can have devastating effects. We saw as much when the Obama Administration rushed to withdraw U.S. troops in the region encouraging the rise of ISIS and creating further regional instability. If House Democrats want to have a serious conversation about repealing existing authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF), many of my House Republican colleagues and I are ready to have that conversation. Unfortunately, Democrats have chosen a wholesale repeal instead, putting our troops and allies at further risk. 

The second bill, which you may hear referred to as the “No War with Iran Act,” would prohibit the use of funds “for any use of military force in or against Iran” unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or a new AUMF. Our military would be prohibited under this law from responding to attacks on U.S. diplomats, civilians, cargo ships, allies, or even engaging in preemptive defense against imminent attacks on the U.S. homeland. Tying the President’s hands like this undermines our military’s ability to defend Americans and emboldens the Iranians putting even more lives at risk. 

If the Democrats were serious about protecting our national security, they would engage in meaningful dialogue with my Republican colleagues and me instead of rushing partisan legislation to the floor. They would not be playing politics by bringing legislation to the floor that makes our world less safe, less free, and less secure.