Hanabusa Votes to Limit Troop Deployments to Iraq

Statement

U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today voted in favor of a successful House Resolution requiring President Obama to comply with the terms of the War Powers Act and consult with Congress before deploying troops to Iraq. House Concurrent Resolution 105 is consistent with an amendment to the House Defense Appropriations bill introduced by Hanabusa, which passed the House without opposition on June 19.

"I am proud that the House of Representatives has again supported my position that we need to limit the way our nation approaches the situation in Iraq," Hanabusa said. "It is our duty to preserve the role of Congress in determining America's defense efforts and ensure that we act responsibly and with due concern for the men and women who have volunteered to defend our nation. Today's vote, together with my earlier amendment, indicates a clear objection to the nearly 1,000 troops and combat assets that have been deployed in the region. I urge the Senate to take immediate action on both these measures.

"It takes more than just saying you don't support military action. We must remain vigilant in ensuring that the President shows restraint and observes the letter and spirit of the law. We have to be willing to examine his actions and prevent mission creep.

"By invoking the War Powers Act in sending troops to Iraq, the President triggered Congress' role in providing a check on his ability to commit our nation to combat. Today's vote demonstrated not only the importance of our service in that capacity, but also our willingness to act independently and with due regard for effective foreign policy."

H.Con.Res. 105 passed the House by a vote of 370-40.

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