In line with War Powers Act, Golden votes to constrain military action in Iran

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 86, a resolution under the War Powers Act to remove the United States from hostilities against Iran. 

Golden opposed earlier War Powers resolutions, in recognition that the administration had, to that point, met its obligations to notify Congress and provide updates under the War Powers Act of 1973. 

The law requires the president to obtain authorization from Congress or to end the fighting within 60 days. That deadline has now passed, and President Trump has yet to seek Congressional authority for his continued campaign in Iran. 

Golden released the following statement: 

“The War Powers Act is not a recommendation. It is the law. If the president has a case to make about why this conflict is in America’s interest, he must come to Congress and make it. That is the only way to bestow any continued conflict with the legitimacy our system of checks and balances requires. Without it, the operation — including any blockade of Iranian ports, which cannot be seen as anything but an act of war — cannot continue”

“My vote today supports the separation of powers that are central to our democracy. But make no mistake: In its words and actions the Iranian government has long been hostile to the United States. We cannot afford to take that threat lightly. Should Congress consider an Authorization for the Use of Military Force against Iran, I will approach that question with an open mind and an emphasis on our collective security.”

Today’s vote was the first clean War Powers resolution since the 60-day window ended on May 1. The resolution passed in the House in a bipartisan 215-208 vote. 

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