Congress Votes Down Iran War Powers Resolution
There were DINOS in the House
The War Powers Resolution failed to pass due to opposition from most Republicans and a few Democrats. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) joined four other Democrats in voting against the measure, which aimed to limit the president’s ability to continue military action in Iran.
“They are democratic Reps. Greg Landsman of Ohio, Jared Golden of Maine, Henry Cuellar of Texas, and Juan Vargas of California. They voted with all the rest of the Republicans to defeat the War Powers Act vote in the House. Had these Democrats voted with the party, the resolution would have passed 216-215.”1
219 voted to not restrict the president’s ability to continue the conflict, while 212 voted to restrict it.
The mention of “DINOS” immediately evokes the fate of dinosaurs. Will these politicians suffer a similar extinction in the midterms? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson insists the conflict is merely a “limited-scope military operation.” One wonders if he rehearsed this denial and whether such pronouncements are focus-grouped for maximum impact.
Seriously, is this the Republican Party’s best effort for grieving parents of fallen service members in the House and Senate? How would parents react to a majority of Republicans denying the existence of a war in which their child died? What would your reaction be as a parent if your son or daughter died in a military conflict deemed not a war?
Republicans and Democrats who opposed the War Powers Resolution heard President Trump’s video address and read his Truth Social post declaring war on Iran. Astonishingly, this needs stating: the president lacks the authority to declare war; that power resides with Congress. When questioned, Republicans are speechless, unable to deny the president’s statement or defend his actions.
“Divide and rule, the politician cries;
Unite and lead is the watchword of the wise.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Gedichte
America needs President Trump, the White House, his cabinet, the Republican administration, and the four Democrats who voted for President Trump’s ability to continue the war in Iran to exercise wisdom in their decisions. How is dividing and ruling by fear working for you, Mr. President? You should unify rather than divide the country.
Question for reflection: How do you want America to be led? Choose wisely.
Notes:
Dr. Kevin Osborne is a chaplain, therapist, writer, poet, and singer. He helps people in their inner healing journey. Dr. Osborne and Karen Osborne live in Timmins, northern Ontario, Canada. Karen has a B.A. in Clinical Christian Counseling from St. James the Elder University. She is a counselor, writer, and editor. Kevin and Karen enjoy reading passages from books to one another over coffee and a sweet treat and discussing what they are reading.
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