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Congressman Davidson speaks on the House floor concerning H.J. 37.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congressman Warren Davidson released the following statement after he voted “yes” on, H.J. Res. 37, a resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from congressionally unauthorized hostilities in the Republic of Yemen.

 

“Americans love our military and overwhelmingly support our troops. However, many Americans do not embrace the unconstitutional and costly status quo of American-funded and American-operated perpetual combat around the world. The idea that it is wrong to secure our own borders, but right to fight for someone else’s sovereignty is appalling.

 

“Congress needs to reclaim its Article One war-making authority. I would welcome debate over an Authorization for Use of Military Force. However, I disagree with those who think that the 2001 AUMF covers our actions in Yemen. The military should not be used to engage in unauthorized wars or conduct operations, for which a clear mission has not been articulated and approved by Congress.”

 

Congressman Davidson enlisted in the infantry out of high school and went on to serve for 12 years. Due to his work ethic and leadership, he earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class. His reputation as an Army officer earned him positions in The Old Guard, The 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 101st Airborne Division. Congressman Davidson left the Army in 2000 with the rank of Captain.

 

Transcript of Congressman Davidson's remarks on the House floor:

 

I thank the chairman for allowing me time as I do support H.J. Res. 37 .

 

Fundamentally it's about Article 1 and the authority of Congress as addressed in Federalist 69.

 

As the President said, great powers don't fight endless wars. I would add that nor do they fight undeclared or participate in undeclared wars.

 

The United States is not participating in the Yemen war in the sense that many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have characterized.

 

In fact, I personally asked Secretary Mattis on two occasions to help draft authorization against Iranian proxies.

 

So, this at best a half measure in that it stops any active participation in undeclared, unauthorized combat, but it also fails to advance the policy of our country which is to treat Iran as the threat it is, not just to the United States of America, but to its neighbors and our allies in the region.

 

I yield.

 

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