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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Paul Kawika Martin, Peace Action, 951-217-7285 cell, pmartin@peace-action.org
Gabe Murphy, Peace Action, 510-501-3345 cell, gmurphy@peaceaction.org

Most Senators Oppose War with Iran Without Congressional Approval

WASHINGTON

In response to a majority of the Senate voting for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to block funding for military action against Iran without congressional approval, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement:

"Because of the Trump administration's policy of maximum provocation towards Iran, our nation stands on the precipice of another blunderous war of choice in the Middle East. Thankfully, the Senate just reiterated what the Constitution already states in no uncertain terms--that the president cannot start a war without congressional approval. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to block this bipartisan vote and debate at every turn. Ultimately, he succumbed to pressure led by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Rand Paul (R-KY), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mike Lee (R-UT), but required a 60-vote threshold that blocked the amendment's passage.

"In these turbulent times, it's worth remembering how the Trump administration's policies created this crisis. President Trump says he wants to ensure that Iran never gets nuclear weapons, but he unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement that keeps Iran's nuclear program in check. He says he wants to negotiate a better deal, but he's imposed crippling sanctions on Iran that have shut the door on any near-term hopes for diplomacy. He says he doesn't want a war, but he came within ten minutes of starting one.

"Congress stepping up to assert its constitutional authority over war is a welcome development, but with this administration's history of sidestepping congressional authority, Congress must use every tool at its disposal to block the president's path to war with Iran. Congress must repeal the overly broad 2001 war authorization, which the administration has suggested might apply to a war with Iran. Congress should also push for a return to U.S. compliance with the Iran nuclear agreement, and for other diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and walk us back from the brink."

Peace Action is the United States' largest peace and disarmament organization with over 100,000 members and nearly 100 chapters in 34 states, works to achieve the abolition of nuclear weapons, promote government spending priorities that support human needs and encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights.