Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council commended growing opposition to the Iran war in Congress following a narrow 212-212 rejection of the Iran war powers resolution from Rep. Josh Gottheimer (H.Con.Res.75).
Three Republican lawmakers who voted for the Iran war have now shifted course this week and voted to end it, with Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania joining Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who took her vote yesterday.
“Two more swing Republicans in toss-up districts moved in line with the vast majority of Americans who want this war to end, just as President Trump is considering authorizing another phase of the war that would fail to solve the standoff with Iran and deepen the financial insecurity facing ordinary Americans,” said Ryan Costello, Policy Director with NIAC. “The House of Representatives is now split down the middle, with more Representatives who have voted for Iran war powers resolutions since the war began than haven’t.”
Gas prices in Michigan stand at $4.89 per gallon, where Rep. Barrett holds office, while prices in Pennsylvania stand at $4.65, where Rep. Fitzpatrick holds office. Gas prices have risen by an average of $1.50 across the nation, taking more than $39 billion out of the pockets of Americans.
Following President Trump’s major summit in China, the Trump administration could authorize a renewed bombing campaign against Iran, according to sources in the Trump administration. The President has reportedly grown frustrated with the negotiations, but has likely shied away from escalation that could have marred the atmosphere for his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“Just a single vote flipping in the House and two votes in the Senate changes a narrow defeat on war powers into a victory,” said Costello. “There are lots of vulnerable lawmakers who could flip with gas prices continuing to soar and the President’s Iran strategy floundering. Those holding out in support of Trump’s war should be forced to answer how much pain will they ask their constituents to endure for a war that is wrong morally, strategically and politically.”
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