Local Representatives Weigh in After Iran War Powers Resolution Vote

The US House of Representatives voted to approve a War Powers Resolution which would, in theory, limit the ability of the president to engage in hostilities against Iran under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

4th District Representative Dan Newhouse said before the vote that he believed the resolution was largely a political statement and has no power of law.

"I think anything that demonstrates to Iran and anybody else that we are not unified in our efforts to combat terrorism and protect men and women in our armed forces is a mistake." Newhouse stated, "I'm going to be voting 'no' on the resolution today."

After voting in the affirmative, 8th District Representative Kim Schrier said in a statement after the vote, “Today’s vote makes it clear that if we are to undertake a sustained conflict, the President must first come to Congress for authorization ... The decision to go to war is a serious and sober one, and it is a decision no one person alone should make for the country. That's why the Constitution gave this responsibility to Congress."

The vote was 224-194, with 3 Republicans and 8 Democrats crossing party lines.