RELEASE: Khanna, Biggs Launch Bipartisan War Powers Caucus

Washington, DC – Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) have established a new bipartisan War Powers Caucus, which will be dedicated to debating our nation's role in global affairs and reaffirming Congress's constitutional responsibility on matters of war and peace. Joining Representatives Biggs and Khanna as original members of the caucus are Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Representative Ken Buck (R-CO). War Powers Caucus members, Concerned Veterans for America, and VoteVets issued the following statements:

"I'm proud to launch the War Powers Caucus and thank my co-chair, Rep. Andy Biggs, for leading the way with me to re-establish congressional war making powers, military restraint, and removing the U.S. from endless wars as the pillars of our foreign policy. After the historic, bipartisan passage of the Yemen War Powers Resolution, we encourage our colleagues to join our caucus and help us in our pursuit to make sure Congress remains a co-equal branch of government and has a say in matters of war and peace. It's time we focus on saving lives and redirecting massive defense spending toward priorities here at home." – Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17)

"The War Powers Caucus has a simple objective: to get Members of Congress from both parties in the same room to discuss current international challenges and debate alternative instruments of power to military intervention. Although U.S. military engagements abroad may not always be avoidable, the Framers of the Constitution were committed to ensuring that Congress be at the heart of all decision making related to our country going to war. I look forward to important and constructive dialogue in the coming months. It is vital that members of the legislative branch work together to address issues and questions of American intervention throughout the world." – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

"I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair in the bipartisan War Powers Caucus. As the lone vote against the 2001 AUMF 18 years ago, I warned that it was too broad and would become a blank check for endless war. For too long, Congress has abdicated its constitutional responsibility on matters of war and peace. The War Powers Caucus will continue the work of ensuring that Congress fulfills its constitutional duty and continues to build bipartisan support for reasserting Congressional oversight of our military operations." – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)

"We have a duty to the Constitution and to the American people to declare and oversee our country's war efforts, but we have allowed this power to atrophy, turning over decision-making to the Executive. I look forward to working with this group of lawmakers to reclaim our legislative authority over war-making activities for the sake of our men and women in uniform." – Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04)

"Congress, led by both parties over the last 17 years, has repeatedly failed to step up and exercise its war powers – a responsibility enshrined to it in the Constitution. We applaud this bipartisan effort that is bringing lawmakers together, and we are appreciative of the leadership demonstrated by Representatives Biggs, Buck, Khanna, and Lee in forming this caucus. We, along with our partners at VoteVets, eagerly look forward to working with this cohort to advance a better American foreign policy." – Nate Anderson, Executive Director, Concerned Veterans for America

"Against all conventional wisdom, the most impactful bipartisan work for the country isn't coming from the middle, it's coming from the wings of the parties, and this caucus is just another example of that. This caucus represents a lot of the same dynamic that we're seeing in our work with Concerned Veterans. When two groups, or ideologies, that are so opposed to each other end up joining forces, it makes a big impact. This caucus will make a big impact. We're very pleased to offer them our full support." – Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets