{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://mcadams.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=159", "McAdams votes against non-binding War Powers Resolution on Iran", "2020-01-09", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "UT", "Ben McAdams", "M001209", "mcadams.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "McAdams votes against non-binding War Powers Resolution on Iran \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      January 9, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Congressman Ben McAdams released the following statement today after voting against the War Powers Resolution on Iran:\r\nThe drone strike ordered by President Trump that killed Qasem Soleimani delivered justice to a murderous terrorist who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American service members.\r\nWhile military force is always an option if necessary to protect American lives and the freedoms we enjoy, I support the President in his efforts to achieve our objectives in Iran through diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions and his recent intentions to de-escalate tensions and pursue alternative means of resolving this crisis. Iran must not gain a nuclear weapon and must cease sponsorship of terrorist activities.\r\nI refuse to play politics when the lives of American service members are on the line. I stand with our men and women in the armed forces and the American people ahead of any political party. The War Powers Act of 1973 already restricts the president's ability to engage in military conflict without Congressional authorization and protecting America and preserving peace are my priorities. I did not support the non-binding resolution because it sends the wrong message at a time when our troops are in harm's way and all sides appear to be stepping back from the prospect of war.\r\nAt the same time, I firmly oppose any escalation of hostilities in the Middle East without a coherent and defined plan authorizing the use of military force. Congress, in consultation with the President, must fulfill its Constitutional duties to define our objectives and strategies prior to going to war as well as how to pay for it. I call on the Administration to be more transparent with the American people and with Congress and explain their plan to keep us safe going forward. I believe Congress must openly question and debate the strategy for broader engagement in the Middle East one that safeguards Americans and our allies. We cannot afford endless wars with poorly defined objectives and unrealistic expectations.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://mcadams.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=159"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9215010795742273, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}