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As Iran Tensions Mount, DeFazio Reintroduces War Powers Bill

Representative Peter DeFazio in the KLCC studios.
Rachael McDonald
Representative Peter DeFazio in the KLCC studios.

Oregon’s 4 th District Representative Peter DeFazio wants Congress to check President Trump’s actions in regard to Iran. He reintroduced his War Powers bill which clarifies that under the constitution, Congress must authorize military force. 

Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio in the KLCC studios.
Credit Rachael McDonald
Representative Peter DeFazio in the KLCC studios.

DeFazio says his bill would give any member of Congress the right to sue the executive branch if it doesn’t comply with the bill. He says Trump’s National Security Advisor John Bolton has rationalized that Iran is increasing its nuclear capability. But that’s because the U.S. pulled out of its nuclear agreement with Iran.

“I mean Bolton is so determined to have a war that I fear that at some point he is going to find a rationale and get the president in a moment when the president is volatile and get his way." DeFazio says,  "It’s a huge worry.”

The administration was preparing to shoot missiles at Iran Thursday after a U.S. drone was shot down. At the last minute, the president decided to abort, he said, because of the risk of casualties. 

Copyright 2019 KLCC

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Rachael McDonald is KLCC's All Things Considered host. She also reports on a variety of topics including local government, education, and breaking news.