The ongoing war in Iran must end and Congress must take every opportunity to stop it, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois said Wednesday.
“The problem we have here in Washington is that I have colleagues here who continue to vote for Donald Trump’s ideas — and not to protect the well-being of the men and women who defend this great nation,” Duckworth said at a press conference with VoteVets, a political action committee.
The Democratic senator’s remarks came one day after the U.S. Senate voted to take up a resolution that would limit the president’s ability to continue war efforts in Iran without congressional approval. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the 50-47 vote on Tuesday. Seven previous attempts failed.
It’s not clear when the Senate would vote on the final resolution, which would also need approval in the House and would be subject to a presidential veto, the New York Times reports.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, the lead sponsor of the war powers resolution, said he expects a vote on the measure to be taken in the House of Representatives soon. Less than one week ago, the House voted down similar legislation in a tie, 212-212.
Duckworth and the other Democratic senators rebuked the White House for the financial cost of the war to the government and the American taxpayer. The cost of the war has risen to $29 billion, according to the testimony of a Pentagon official last week.
The high price of gas that people are paying at the pump, which Senate Democrats estimate at $571 million more per day across the entire country, is taking a toll on everyday Americans, the senators said. President Donald Trump also campaigned on ending foreign wars and lowering prices, they said.
“He’s done the opposite of all of that,” Duckworth said. “I have one message to send our troops who are in harm’s way right now: We’re fighting for you. We’re going to hold this administration accountable. We’re going to make sure that we live right by the sacrifices that you’re willing to make.”
Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, maintains the war has not accomplished many of the goals the White House set out to achieve. The president has listed several motivations for starting the war and goals in ongoing negotiations, including regime change and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The critical waterway that one-fifth of the world’s oil is transported through is mined by the Iranians, and clearing it could take months. Iran is also sometimes charging fees for safe passage.
“Trump started a war, and he’s made things worse than before,” Duckworth said.