Tom Udall: “I rise to urge this body to protect the Constitution, to defend the separation of powers, and to prevent an…”

“I rise to urge this body to protect the Constitution, to defend the separation of powers, and to prevent an unauthorized, unconstitutional war with Iran. The Constitution is clear. Under our article I powers, the Constitution spells out that Congress shall have the authority to declare war. The Founders debated which branch of government should be given the solemn power to wage war. Entering into battle had been the personal prerogative of Kings, and Kings had shown that they would bankrupt their countries and risk lives because of self-serving, power-seeking feuds. Therefore, our Constitution's Founders placed the decision to go to war with the people's representatives. They wanted any decision to wage war to reflect the will of the people. They deliberately rejected giving this most consequential decision only to the President. Yet, despite the clarity of the Constitution, President Trump insists--without any equivocation--that he does not need congressional approval to engage in military hostilities against Iran, and now, instead of working with the U.S. Congress, he is publicly deferring to the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.…”