Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke on the Senate floor to oppose a War Powers Resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.). The resolution, which is expected to be voted on by the Senate, addresses presidential authority in military operations against Iran.
Barrasso argued that President Donald J. Trump has acted within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief in response to threats from Iran. He stated, “What President Trump is doing is right and necessary. For 47 years, Iran has attacked our country and our people…It is wrong to vote to signal weakness to our enemies. It is wrong to vote to undermine our troops in combat. It is wrong to vote to undercut Peace through Strength. I will vote to uphold the safety and security of our country.”
In his remarks, Barrasso said, “I rise in firm opposition to the War Powers Resolution offered by Democrat Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. Let me expose this resolution for what it is. The Democrat Resolution undercuts American Peace through Strength.” He added that Republicans intend to oppose both Kaine and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding the resolution.
Barrasso referenced the War Powers Act of 1973, emphasizing its intent for consultation and reporting rather than congressional management of military operations. He noted that President Trump complied with notification requirements after recent actions against Iran.
He also criticized previous Democratic presidents’ use of military force without similar objections from current Democratic senators: “President Clinton did in the Balkans. President Obama did in Libya. President Biden did in Syria and the Gaza Strip. So why do Democrats object today? Because Donald Trump is President of the United States.”
Barrasso claimed that Senator Kaine has introduced multiple War Powers Resolutions since Trump returned to office but none during prior Democratic administrations.
The senator further accused Democrats of jeopardizing national security by blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He stated that such actions risk public safety at a time when terrorism threats are high: “Democrats continue to shut down the Department of Homeland Security…This Democrat shutdown endangers every single American citizen.”
Regarding U.S. actions against Iran, Barrasso described Operation Epic Fury as a defensive measure intended to neutralize Iranian military capabilities: “Operation Epic Fury is a defensive action against a clear, present, and accelerating danger.” He outlined objectives including destruction of Iran’s missile industry, navy, proxy networks, and prevention of nuclear weapons development.
Barrasso credited these efforts with degrading Iran’s leadership and military assets: “In less than a week, Iran’s supreme leadership has been killed. Its missile and drone industry destroyed. Its navy sunk…Its capacity to ever produce nuclear weapons eliminated.”
He concluded by reiterating support for continued U.S. action: “It is wrong to vote to signal weakness to our enemies. It is wrong to vote to undermine our troops in combat…I will vote to uphold the safety and security of our country.”
