In New Ad, VoteVets Calls on Congress and President Biden to Follow Past Words On War Powers
WASHINGTON, DC – As the nation approaches the 19th anniversary of the launch of the war in Iraq, and the specter of war in Europe hangs over the current debate, VoteVets is launching an ad calling on Congress and President Biden to strengthen Congressional War Powers, to ensure the US does not slide further into endless war.
The ad can be viewed here: https://act.votevets.org/go/2840?t=2&ak_proof=1&akid=%2E139165%2E7Jy23p
The ad will be airing on digital platforms across the country, at a cost of $55,000.
It features then-Senator Joe Biden, stating forcefully that the decision to go to war lies with Congress. At a War Powers hearing in 1988, he said, “And I thought the Constitution said that the Congress had a role to play in that.”
The ad then cuts to Julie Waters, a US Army veteran who says, “I was 7-years old when Joe Biden said that. Thirty-four years later, 92 military actions have been taken by presidents of both parties, most without Congressional authorization, or real accountability. Millions like me have served; thousands have died, without truly knowing that their sacrifice was in service to the will of the people, because Congress abandoned its constitutional role. It’s time to restore the voice of the people, when we’re putting their sons and daughters in harm’s way. Because Joe Biden still knows in his heart what the framers wrote was right. It’s the most solemn decision a country ever has to make.”
The ad closes by calling on Congress to pass, and President Biden to sign, the Bipartisan National Security Powers Act (S. 2391) and the Bipartisan National Security Reforms and Accountability Act (HR 5410), legislation that would reassert Congress’ role in war powers.
“We have seen what happens when Congress passes blank checks, and presidents launch new operations without even a word of debate or accountability,” said Mary Kaszynski, Director of Government Relations for VoteVets. “As we approach the Iraq War anniversary and as the invasion in Ukraine illustrates the stakes, it’s essential that we strengthen the role of Congress in making critical decisions about war and peace.”
Earlier this week, the New York Daily News published an op-ed from VoteVets member James Fitzgerald, “Restoring the role of Congress in war powers” that also highlighted the importance of war powers reforms. It is available here: https://act.votevets.org/go/2842?t=6&ak_proof=1&akid=%2E139165%2E7Jy23p