[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         OPPOSITION TO IRAN WAR

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2026

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to restate my strong opposition to 
President Trump's unlawful and unconstitutional decision to order U.S. 
military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. His actions have entered 
our Nation into war without any imminent threat posed by Iran to the 
United States and lacking necessary Congressional authorization.
  With each day, it becomes more apparent that President Trump's 
decision to go to war with Iran was a political choice, not a strategic 
necessity. It is also clear that he has no plan to account for the 
quickly rising costs for his war of choice.
  The President is now reportedly seeking $200 billion in supplemental 
funding from Congress for his war--an astounding amount that far 
surpasses the costs of the war that have been reported during the past 
four weeks. Additionally, Congress is still waiting for the 
administration to fully explain where it is spending the additional 
$150 billion in funding that the Pentagon received through the 
Republicans reconciliation package that cut taxes for billionaires at 
the expense of health care and food assistance programs. Congress also 
awaits the president's budget request for this year--which is nearly 
two months overdue.
  Let me be clear--I will not write blank checks to the Department of 
Defense.
  Here at home, Americans are also paying for this war through higher 
prices at the gas pump--prices that continue to rise as attacks expand 
to critical energy infrastructure and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. 
The national average price is up by $1 more per gallon since the war 
began. When gas prices go up, so does the price of everything else. If 
the American people are being asked to pay for this war, then they 
deserve clear answers from President Trump on why he chose to attack 
Iran, what objectives justify continued military engagement, and what 
guardrails are in place to prevent a broader or protracted regional 
war.
  Unfortunately, the Trump administration's rationale for the strikes 
keeps shifting. First, it was about destroying Iran's nuclear program, 
despite declaring last June that Iran's nuclear facilities had been 
``totally obliterated''--a claim Trump repeated in February. Then it 
was about regime change. Then we heard from Secretary of State Marco 
Rubio that the reason to launch the war was because Israel was going to 
attack Iran first. When that rationale was retracted, Americans were 
told it was about destroying Iran's ballistic missiles and military 
industrial base. For America to be engaged in large scale conflict 
overseas for nearly a month--with no clarity for Congress or the 
American public about why--is shocking, unacceptable, and unprecedented 
in our history.
  In 2002, I was one of 133 members of the House of Representatives to 
vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq 
Resolution. While I opposed that war from the beginning, President Bush 
did what President Trump has failed to do--follow the law and the 
Constitution and explain his rationale, albeit deeply flawed, for 
taking our Nation to war. There was a monthslong national debate about 
military action in Iraq, and Congress held hearings, debated the 
resolution, and voted to approve the operation before President Bush 
launched the first strikes on Iraq. With respect to Iran, President 
Trump has denied the American public and the Congress this same process 
that the Constitution requires.
  No one deserves answers more than our U.S. servicemembers and their 
families. At least 13 courageous service men and women who volunteered 
to serve their country have given their lives in this conflict, 
including my constituent, Master Sergeant Nicole Amor of White Bear 
Lake, Minnesota. At least 200 others have been injured.
  Our U.S. servicemembers are serving with a profound sense of duty to 
our country. For this, all Americans should be grateful. For this, all 
Americans should be united to support them. The family members and 
loved ones of our brave troops are also enduring tremendous sacrifices 
that can never be repaid. For the selfless Americans who sacrificed 
their lives and bodies in service to our country, we must always 
remember them and always fulfill the promises we have made to our 
veterans and their families.
  By any measure, America's war in Iraq was a strategic and human 
tragedy that must not be repeated. As President Trump commits our 
Nation to another serious conflict in the Middle East, this time with 
Iran, the American people must not be fooled, not be driven by fear, 
and not yield to another expensive and painful war of choice. While I 
have clearly stated my disagreement with this war in Iran, I strongly 
believe that we must stand united in supporting U.S. servicemembers and 
their families. We pray that they complete their orders and return home 
safely and soon.

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