Iran/Iraq Crisis Emergency Message #3 Senate Action Pending
This week the Senate will be taking up two important resolutions, which are intended to block or limit the Trump Administration’s military escalation against Iran.
As widely reported, last week the House of Representatives passed H.Con Res. 83 by a margin of 224-194. As specified in this legislation Congress …directs the President “to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities against Iran or any part of its government or military” unless specifically authorized by Congress. For Roll-call vote: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2020/roll007.xml
For the Senate Bernie Sanders (D) and Mike Lee (R) are co-sponsoring the No War Against Iran Act which would block any funds from being used for an unauthorized war with Iran.
A somewhat weaker resolution is being prepared by Tim Kaine (D) in an effort to obtain more Republican support. As presently formulated, it would require the President to remove troops from hostilities against Iran within thirty days, unless the activity is meant to respond to an imminent threat.
Early this week—will be helpful to call your Senators whether Democrat or Republican and urge them to co-sponsor and vote for the Sanders-Lee Resolution blocking funds for military action against Iran.
To reach your Senators call the Capitol Switchboard 202 -224-3121 or 202-225-3121
If you receive any noteworthy responses—don’t hesitate to share with us by email.
For more detailed discussion of the Congressional situation, see Kate Kizer, “Congress’s Work to Prevent War With Iran Has Only Just Begun” https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/12/congresss-work-prevent-war-iran-has-only-just-begun
prasannan.parthasarathi@bc.edu
H-Pad Legislative Coordinators