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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Hamid Bendaas, 202-450-0491, hamid.bendaas@mail.house.gov

Conference Committee on National Defense Authorization Act States that Trump Has No Legal Authority to Strike Iran

House expected to vote on bill today

WASHINGTON

The House of Representatives is expected to vote today on the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), as approved by a conference committee composed of top House and Senate defense legislators. The bill includes language clarifying that "nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize the use of forces against Iran" and an attached statement indicating "the conferees are not aware of any information that would justify the use of military force against Iran under any other statutory authority." This clear bipartisan statement, signed by prominent GOP Iran hawks, makes it clear that President Trump does not have the authority to use military force against Iran.

The explanatory statement was prompted by Rep. Ellison's bipartisan amendments which passed the House unanimously in May and contained similar language.
Statement of Representative Keith Ellison

"I'm grateful to see Congress' top defense legislators go on the record and agree that President Trump does not have an authorization to use military force against Iran. Given Trump's recent irresponsible all-caps tweet threatening Iran, it's critical to know that he has no legal authority to use military force without explicit approval from Congress."

Rep. Keith Ellison has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007. The Fifth Congressional District is the most vibrant and diverse district in Minnesota with a rich history and traditions. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.