WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with 26 years of service and multiple combat deployments across the Middle East, including service in every country Iran has attacked or destabilized through its terror network, released the following statement regarding the War Powers Resolution that passed the House today.
“This was a foolish, politically driven vote that would restrict the Commander-in-Chief’s ability, regardless of their political party, to exercise their Constitutionally enumerated authority as explicitly stated in Article II, Sec II.
The Constitution designates the President as Commander-in-Chief for a reason. President Trump acted fully within its constitutional authority and in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Limiting a President’s ability to respond to threats makes our nation weaker.
If Congress wants to debate military strategy, are they also prepared to dictate deployment schedules, operational timelines, and rules of engagement from the House floor? That is not how our military operates, and it is not how we keep Americans safe.
Our adversaries are watching. Sending a message that partisan politics can override the Commander-in-Chief’s ability to act decisively undermines deterrence and emboldens those who wish to do harm to the United States and our allies.
I voted against this resolution because America needs strength, not political theater masquerading as national security policy.”
