Lawmaker: Defeating resolution isn't a war authorization; Congress must explicitly approve force

A lawmaker said defeating a congressional resolution does not amount to an authorization for war and urged Congress to explicitly authorize any use of military force.

"But make no mistake, Republicans defeating the resolution is not a war authorization," the lawmaker said, adding that "the law is clear" and that "Congress needs to explicitly authorize war through an authorization of the use of military force." The speaker framed that requirement as a legal and constitutional check on executive action.

The lawmaker sharply criticized the president's approach to foreign affairs, saying, "This president believes that he can topple leaders on command and take over foreign governments at will," and said Congress has a duty "not just to check a reckless and lawless president, but also to represent the will of the people." The speaker asserted that public sentiment opposes further unilateral military engagements.

Pointing to recent history, the lawmaker invoked "20 years in Iraq and Afghanistan," saying Americans "on all sides of the political spectrum said, enough is enough" and declaring, "No more wars of choice." The speaker emphasized the human and financial costs: "We paid a mighty price in lives and dollars and there were plenty of problems to deal with at home."

The transcript contains these remarks as a continuous statement; it does not record a formal vote or other official action tied to this speech.