Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement Following the War Powers Vote

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement following her vote in favor of the bipartisan war powers resolution that would require President Trump to seek congressional approval for any further action in Iran.

“I voted yes on the bipartisan war powers resolution to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority and to stand with the majority of Americans to say that the American people do not want another endless war. We want lower costs.

“The Constitution is clear: Congress, not the President alone, has the authority to decide when our nation goes to war. Despite this fact, President Trump made the unconstitutional decision to strike Iran without Congressional approval. But the problem is not just about the process through which this war began. It’s the fact that it began at all. This Administration has not made a clear, compelling, or consistent case to the American people that the United States faced an imminent threat requiring unilateral military action. We should not be at war, and yet that’s exactly where Trump has taken us.

“Make no mistake: Iran’s regime is repressive, sponsors terrorism, and must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. But those facts alone do not justify dragging the United States into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East—especially without congressional authorization, a clear objective, or an exit strategy.

“I am deeply grateful for our brave service members, and my thoughts are with the families already mourning loved ones lost in this war. I do not want to see any more American lives lost in another forever-war, and neither do the American people. Congress must do its job, assert its authority, and ensure that decisions as grave as war are debated openly and responsibly before more lives are put at risk.”

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