PAAIA Applauds Bicameral Passage of Iran War Powers Resolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:  Emily Porter
Email: emily@paaia.org
Phone: (202) 828-8370

Washington, DC –With the House passage of S.J.Res.68, Leila Austin, Executive Director of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), today issued the following statement:

“On behalf of PAAIA, I applaud the House for its prompt review and 227-186 vote in favor of S.J.Res.68 following its passage in the Senate. The resolution asserts Congress’ constitutional authority in declaring war – a costly decision that cannot be approached lightly. The bicameral passage of the resolution demonstrates congressional opposition to unauthorized war with Iran. We call upon the Administration to respect that will in future decisions pertaining to potential conflict with Iran.

“Given the quick escalation of tensions earlier this year, PAAIA remains deeply concerned about the potential for unnecessary conflict between Iran and the United States. A war with Iran is estimated to be far more costly than previous conflicts in the Middle East, jeopardizing countless American lives and driving our nation further into debt. PAAIA will continue to advocate that U.S. interests are best served by prioritizing diplomacy and supporting the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.”

The legislation was led by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and has a total of 25 other cosponsors. It passed in the House with a bipartisan vote of 227-186 and the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 55-45. While the measure does not have enough votes to override a presidential veto, the legislation’s passage sends a strong message to the Administration to seek congressional approval before escalation into conflict with Iran.

March 11, 2020