On the recordJuly 11, 2019
Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and for our work together on this issue. Madam Chair, I represent the district in this Congress that has the highest concentration of active duty military. If my constituents are called to war with Iran, they will go without hesitation or question. They will fight and win decisive victory, and I am incredibly proud of them. But if they must deploy the patriotism to go downrange and win this war, we should at least have the courage to vote for it or vote against it, every darn one of us. And if my war-hungry colleagues, some of whom have already suggested that we invade Venezuela, North Korea, and probably a few other countries before lunchtime tomorrow; if they are so certain of their case against Iran, let them bring their authorization to use military force against Iran to this very floor. Let them make the case to Congress and to the American people. Let them show the military families in my district what their loved ones will fight for and die for. If we do that, then I think we serve the country well. My constituents are doing their part, and I think it is about time Congress does our part and speak to these critical matters of war and peace.





