Durbin Statement On Senate Vote To Prohibit Funds For Military Operation Against Iran
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today released the following statement after voting for a bipartisan measure to prohibit funds from being used for military operations against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. Durbin is a cosponsor of this measure. It failed to pass the Senate by a final vote of 50-40.
“President Trump’s policy, at the direction of Mr. Bolton and Secretary Pompeo, seems to have only increased regional tensions, incentivized Iran to restart its nuclear program, and encouraged another reckless Middle Eastern war. Today, the Senate had an opportunity to stand up for its Constitutional responsibility. But unfortunately, the Senate continues to be a rubber stamp for President Trump and his careless policies, even in matters of war.”
In 2015, Durbin led the effort in the Senate that ultimately allowed the Iran Nuclear Agreement to proceed, securing enough votes to block an effort to derail it.
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