Brad Smith says he would vote for an Iran war powers resolution
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Wisconsin's 6th district, in an emailed statement
“I oppose an open-ended U.S. war with Iran. I fully support and would vote in favor of a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.”
Read the full email
I oppose an open-ended U.S. war with Iran. I fully support and would vote in favor of a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran. I served eight years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and spent 14 months deployed overseas. I know firsthand how decisions made in Washington eventually land on the shoulders of servicemembers and their families. Congress has a responsibility to make those decisions openly and be accountable for them. If the United States is going to remain engaged in hostilities against Iran, Congress should have to debate it, define what we are trying to accomplish, and vote on it. I will never accept allowing another temporary military action to quietly turn into an endless war. If Congress believes continued military action is necessary, then members should have the courage to put their names on that decision and explain it to the American people. Brad Smith Candidate for Congress, Wisconsin's 6th District
Source and context
Emailed statement
Emailed statement from Brad Smith to Dispute Index on an Iran war powers vote
I oppose an open-ended U.S. war with Iran. I fully support and would vote in favor of a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran. I served eight years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and spent 14 months deployed overseas. I know firsthand how decisions made in Washington eventually land on the shoulders of servicemembers and their families. Congress has a responsibility to make those decisions openly and be accountable for them. If the United States is going to remain engaged in hostilities against Iran, Congress should have to debate it, define what we are trying to accomplish, and vote on it. I will never accept allowing another temporary military action to quietly turn into an endless war. If Congress believes continued military action is necessary, then members should have the courage to put their names on that decision and explain it to the American people. Brad Smith Candidate for Congress, Wisconsin's 6th District
About this source
Emailed reply from Democratic congressional candidate Brad Smith (WI-6), an Army National Guard veteran, to a Dispute Index question asking whether he would vote for a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Dispute Index asked Smith whether he would vote for a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.
After the quotation
Smith cited his eight years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and 14 months deployed overseas, and said members of Congress should put their names on any decision for continued military action and explain it to the American people.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Do they support the war in Iran?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
The case tracks support for continued U.S. military operations against Iran. Smith says he opposes an open-ended war and fully supports a war powers resolution to remove U.S. forces from hostilities, which opposes continuing the operation, so we labeled it Condemned.
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Do they support the war in Iran?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“I will wholeheartedly vote for a war powers resolution and help investigate all parties who placed us in this war.”Read statement
“Our country and the global community at large has had to wait too long for the current leaders in Congress to step up and take action to stop the unconstitutional and nonsensical war with Iran. ... It is well past time for all those who hold elected positions in Congress to work together to stop this administration's unconstitutional war with Iran.”Read statement
“Iran's government poses serious threats, and we must protect Americans and our allies. But an open, ended war requires a debate and a vote by the representatives of the American people. I would press for diplomacy and a defined end to this conflict.”Read statement