Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on Passage of War Powers Resolution

Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) made the following statement after a resolution “directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran” passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 224-to-194:

“The President’s ‘ask for forgiveness, not for permission’ attitude has once again put the world in serious jeopardy. The President alone does not have the power to authorize acts of war. For almost two decades, Presidents have been exploiting a law passed in the wake of 9/11 intended to protect our country, not intended to open unlimited power for the President. The Constitution gives Congress the explicit right to declare war. I supported this critical legislation and have been working with my colleagues, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee, on sunsetting this outdated 9/11 law,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.