Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement regarding her vote on H. Con. Res. 38:

“This Iranian regime is the most prolific sponsor of terrorism worldwide and its unrelenting nuclear ambitions and internal repression are incompatible with our security and values. As I said at the outset of this war, the Iranian regime is a sadistic, malevolent actor, unrepentant for their worldwide, murderous actions. For decades, it has armed and funded violent terrorist proxies, brutalized its own people, pursued ballistic missile capabilities, and exploited diplomatic negotiations to buy time while continuing its march toward nuclear weaponization. Iran’s rulers have American, Latin American, Ukrainian, Israeli, and Iranian blood on their hands. 

“Unfortunately, as a Member of Congress, I was never given the opportunity to hear the case that an attack was imminent nor cast a vote. President Trump’s failure to seek Congressional authorization for this war against Iran sent our military into battle without an important strategic and unified approach, leaving our troops and our allies in grave danger. By failing to consult Congress or make the case to the American people, he left himself with a weaker hand and without an important tool that could have strengthened it. 

“Thus far, it’s clear he failed to prepare to evacuate stranded Americans and failed to protect our servicemembers and allies from retaliation or equip them for prolonged conflict.

“If Trump had come to Congress for authorization and coordination, he’d have a better strategy and leverage to defeat this enemy. He had time to do that and chose not to. Instead, his negligence unleashed further global chaos and economic pain on our families. 

“It’s become clear in the past several days that additional resources will be necessary to ensure our military success and our strategic objectives are achieved. 

“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will be actively engaged in ensuring that we provide the funding necessary to disable Iran from continuing its terroristic, lethal actions. 

“I voted for this War Powers resolution because the military strength of the United States of America derives from the way we send our troops into battle - not hobbled by the refusal of a president to ensure the full strength of our nation through collaboration and consent but from a unified front through the efforts of the legislative and executive branch. Without that, the ability of the United States to accomplish strategic objectives in the region will be hindered. It is the sacred duty of Congress to arm our service members with the resources they need to protect themselves and our nation and one that I take very seriously and assign the highest priority.”

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