Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) demanded a vote on an amendment that would block funding for Trump’s Iran war without congressional approval.
Democrats are ready to block funding for Trump’s war with Iran
Sen. Schumer said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA:
I told the president that these conflicts have a way of escalating. The president may not intend to go to war here, but we are worried that he and the administration may bumble into a war. We told the room that the Democratic position is that Congressional approval must be required before funding any conflict in Iran. One of the best ways to avoid bumbling into war, a war that nobody wants, is to have a robust, open debate and for Congress to have a real say. We learned that lesson in the run up to the Iraq War.
We have an amendment supported by every Democrat to the NDAA in the Senate, led by Senator Udall, which would require Congressional approval of any funding for a conflict in Iran. It’s supported by all Democrats in the Senate. We are asking leader McConnell to do the right thing and give us a vote next week on the NDAA on that amendment.
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
The bipartisan Udall Amendment states, “No funds may be used to conduct hostilities against the Government of Iran, against the Armed Forces of Iran, or in the territory of Iran, except pursuant to an Act or a joint resolution of Congress specifically authorizing such hostilities that is enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act.”
The amendment would pass if it is brought to the Senate floor for a vote. It is up to Mitch McConnell to allow that vote. If McConnell stands with Trump on a war with Iran, the death and destruction will be on his hands.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
