Fellow Illinoisan,

This week, Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq where American troops are based. Fortunately, no one was harmed.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, our first order of business must be the safety of our military and civilian personnel in Iraq and the region. I hope the Trump Administration will make this their top priority. 

But Congress must also step up and take on one of its most important, and long neglected, Constitutional responsibilities - the power to decide whether or not to declare war.

DURBIN TO COLLEAGUES: STAND UP & SUPPORT IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION

This crisis was largely created, and most certainly accelerated, by President Trump’s erratic and incoherent policies towards Iran. Now Iran could walk away from the nuclear agreement, putting our interests in the region even more at risk. The President’s worst instincts are leading us towards war. We must not allow that to happen. 

That’s why, last week, I joined Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia to introduce a War Powers resolution that would prevent President Trump from starting a war with Iran all on his own. The least we can do as members of Congress is step up, face our constituents, and record our votes accordingly. 

I would gladly welcome the chance to go on the record. I hope that my colleagues have the courage to do the same.

Sincerely, 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)