War Powers Resolution

Floor Speech

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Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of the American people who are against Donald Trump's illegal war with Iran. This war has taken the lives of 13 servicemembers--hundreds more are injured, many severely. This war has cost American taxpayers upward of $25 billion and is jacking up the cost of energy, fuel, and fertilizer for Wisconsin families and farmers.

I have been clear since this conflict began 2 months ago: President Trump did not have the authority to start this war with Iran. We were not under attack from Iran. We were not under imminent threat of an attack from Iran. Therefore, President Trump was required to ask Congress, the people's branch, for authorization.

The Trump administration should have made the case to us and to the American people for why an all-out war with Iran was worth it. But the Trump administration did not follow the law. Donald Trump dragged the United States into a war of choice without a clear explanation.

It happened without open hearings or public debates or a timeline. He started a war with Iran without a clear reason or plan to get us out. That is why we are still at war 2 months later.

The Trump administration keeps saying that this will not be another endless war, but this administration still hasn't committed to a timeline for getting us out.

I have watched my Republican colleagues bend over backward to explain why they have abdicated their duty to be a check on President Trump, but even if this war of choice was allowed under law, Congress still has to play a role.

I wholeheartedly disagree with my Republican colleagues who said Trump could wage this war for 60 days without getting Congress' approval. But regardless, that clock that they just set up has run out. We are coming up on 60 days since the President notified Congress of military action in Iran. And as Republicans keep telling me, that deadline matters. On the 60-day mark, President Trump must cease military action or receive congressional authorization. My Republican colleagues know this. They have said as much, calling this deadline a ``big deal'' and a ``trigger'' that requires Congress to act.

So here is Republicans' chance to act. You said the President had 60 days to wage a war and that he needed Congress to sign off? Well, it has been 60 days. It is time to do your constitutional duty to rein in this President and stop this illegal war that is jacking up Americans' costs while accomplishing next to nothing.

Iran still has nuclear materials. They still have ballistic missiles and drones to attack us, a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, and the same oppressive regime in place. It is time to show the American people where you stand on this war. Join us in forcing the Trump administration to come to Congress, to explain to the American people why we are at war, and make their case for why this war should continue.

If they can't, then we shouldn't be at war, period.

(Mrs. MOODY assumed the chair.)

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