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Pingree Calls On Congress To Rein In President On Iran

Ed Morin
/
Maine Public/file
Chellie Pingree speaks in Portland at a rally against repealing the Affordable Care Act, January 15. 2017.

Maine U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree says she's worried that President Trump will lead United States into another war following the launch of two Iranian missile strikes against Iraqi military bases that house U.S. troops.The 1st District Democrat is calling for greater involvement from Congress in the situation.

"You know, we will meet resistance with the president," Pingree says, "but it's our responsibility as members of Congress to not just sit back and say, you know, 'Go for it.' We have to be there to say, 'We want to explore all options, we do not want this to escalate into another war, and we don't want to continually put the soldiers we currently have stationed in Iraq in endless harm.' "

Pingree says President Trump should consider diplomacy and not just military action in response to the missile strike. "I'm really worried right now about him bringing us into another war and not being willing to use the power of diplomacy to listen to seasoned advisors."

On Tuesday, Pingree urged the House to vote on two bills addressing the current situation in Iran. One would repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. The other would mandate congressional authorization for funding any future offensive military force against Iran. 

Pingree also sides with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's position that Congress should strengthen the War Powers Act to require a president to consult with Congress prior to actions that could be considered the waging of war.

Relations between the U.S. and Iran have become increasingly strained following the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani by the U.S.