Unite for Veterans Denounces U.S. Strikes on Iran Without Congressional Approval
The Unite for Veterans Coalition calls today on Congress to perform its duties under the Constitution of the United States to approve or disapprove of President Trump’s war with Iran.
The power to declare war is found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution. This section outlines the specific powers granted to Congress, distinguishing them from the powers of the Executive branch. "The Congress shall have Power... To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water."
The lack of clear strategic objectives and sufficient Congressional oversight in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the American people 7,091 dead service members, 53,556 wounded, and at least $6 trillion added to the national debt. These numbers don’t even begin to address the hundreds of thousands of killed, wounded, and displaced Iraqi and Afghan civilians who suffered immensely.
By launching military operations without clear congressional authorization or a transparent strategy for de-escalation, the U.S. risks plunging itself into a broader conflict with no defined objectives that align with long-term peace or security.
Additionally, we must consider the long term costs on our veterans of going to war. Time and again, those who serve shoulder the heaviest burdens of war, while the political costs and commitments stretch on far beyond the battlefield.
These attacks are coming a week after the administration attempted to reduce benefits to America’s veterans. We cannot afford another war and watch subsequent administrations refuse to honor the promises to our service members.
Congress must exercise its constitutional responsibility to reign in this unilateral executive action. Decisions that send Americans into harm’s way should be made with full public debate and authorization by the people’s representatives in Congress -- per the Constitution of the United States.
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