WASHINGTON, DC – In a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump’s Iran policy, the U.S. Senate voted 55-45 today to rein in President Trump’s ability to take military action against Iran without Congressional approval.  The measure would require the President to pull any U.S. troops from military hostilities against Iran within 30 days, unless Congress approves the military actions.

The Senate approved U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) war powers resolution, which included an amendment from U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) noting that as a result of Iran’s recent ballistic missile strike against U.S. air bases in Iraq, over 100 service members have sustained traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, as a result of their proximity to the blasts.

After the vote, Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“I’m pleased the Senate passed this important, bipartisan measure to reduce the likelihood of war with Iran and rein in President Trump.  The American people do not want to be dragged into an endless, costly war with Iran.  Today, the U.S. Senate voted 55-45 for a binding resolution to limit President Trump’s ability to declare war on Iran without Congressional consent.

“This resolution does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself, but it reasserts Congress’ constitutional role in declaring war.

“I am pleased my amendment was approved to recognize the service of U.S. forces who sustained injuries from Iran’s missile attack against two U.S. bases in Iraq on January 8, 2020.  I am concerned by the President’s efforts to downplay the traumatic brain injuries suffered by these troops.  Traumatic brain injuries can have severe long-term impacts.  It is unacceptable for President Trump or anyone in this Administration to belittle brave individuals who have sustained serious traumatic brain injuries while defending our country.

“It is vitally important that all U.S. Government personnel, military and civilian, who incur such injuries be given the care they deserve and that their medical records be properly annotated to ensure they receive the care they are entitled to into the future.  My amendment recognizes the seriousness of these injuries, and honors those who will now have to deal with these wounds - possibly for the rest of their lives.

The morning after the missile attack, President Trump stated: “I’m pleased to inform you: The American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime.”  After a member of the media asked President Trump on January 22, 2020 about the reports indicating that 11 Americans were airlifted out of Iraq after the missile attack, President Trump stated: “I heard that they had headaches. And a couple of other things. But I would say, and I can report, it is not very serious.”