War Powers Resolution
Floor Speech
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Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, well, earlier today, Trump said he was just an hour away from launching another wave of attacks on Iran before he changed his mind.
Trump says: ``We may have to give Iran another big hit''--that ``we're all set to start'' bombing at a moment's notice.
This President is like a toddler playing with a loaded gun. If there was ever a time to support our War Powers Resolution to withdraw troops from hostilities with Iran, it is now.
We have long since passed the War Powers Act's 60-day threshold to end hostilities that many of our colleagues cited as the time their position on this war would finally change. Every second we wait to end this war is another second Donald Trump puts our servicemembers at risk.
If Republicans truly believe that this war is going well, that Trump is some strategic genius, then why are they hiding behind shifting deadlines and fake notifications of the ``end of hostilities''? Why do Republicans pretend Trump's war ended after 60 days, when it clearly has continued, with U.S. and Iranian forces exchanging fire in the Strait of Hormuz?
And the lack of planning in this whole war is just appalling. It is obvious even to a layman that the greatest vulnerability we faced, if we challenged Iran, was the Strait of Hormuz. And yet, despite the fact that many said, ``Secure the strait before you do anything else,'' Trump ignored it.
And look at what is happening now: Gasoline is $4.50 and going up.
How can anyone believe this President has a strategy, has a plan, knows what he is doing?
Senate Republicans are silent on Trump's war because they know it is a massive blunder, but they are foolish to think that silence will spare them. The American people's outrage over skyrocketing costs is right at their doorstep.
Americans took note all seven times this Republican majority passed up the opportunity to support our War Powers Resolution to end this disaster, and they will take note of those Republicans who pass up the eighth time--the eighth opportunity--to stop this war, which will occur shortly when we vote.
I thank Senator Kaine for his leadership on today's resolution.
Every week this war continues and Republicans continue to sit in silence, Democrats will force a vote on the War Powers Resolution and make Republicans go on record with their support for this war.
Let me be clear: Reasserting Congress' authority on matters of war and peace isn't a partisan issue. It never should have been one. It is a constitutional issue. It has been what this country has stood for, for centuries.
This vote is about fulfilling our most basic responsibility as Members of the Senate.
I urge my colleagues to vote yes.
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