Jim Baird: “I have just got a couple of words I would like to remind this body about. I have heard a lot of talk about patriotism…”

“I have just got a couple of words I would like to remind this body about. I have heard a lot of talk about patriotism, and I gave this arm in Vietnam. I have got a lot of good friends whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, so don't talk to me about patriotism, and how much I love this country when we are standing here debating an issue that we all know is not going anywhere. The last thing I would say to you is, while I was serving in Vietnam, there were many occasions when I didn't have the ability to do what I thought was necessary. I just say to you that this body couldn't make up their mind whether they wanted to be in that war or not, and I suggest we get with the right program and do it now. Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I am strongly in favor of exercising our Article I authorities for matters as grave as war and peace, but the fact is, we are not at war with Iran. The President is not trying to start a war with Iran. I met with the President earlier today. He told me that if this resolution passes, it will take all of his power to negotiate with Iran off the table. That is the worst thing that we could do. Yesterday, he called for making a deal that allows for Iran to thrive and prosper. The President is making the choice to move toward deescalation. The premise of this resolution is flawed because we are not engaged in hostilities with Iran.…”