u.s. rep. chris gibson release on war powers reform act

7/29/2019 U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson release on War Powers Reform Act

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stephanie Valle

January 23, 2013 202-225-5614or stephanie.valle@mail.house.gov

Gibson Introduces War Powers Reform Act to Give Americans a Voice in Decision to go to War

Washington, DC – Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced today that he has re-introducedlegislation that fundamentally amends the War Powers Resolution. His bill, the War Powers Reform Act,would strike a new balance between the legislative and executive branch and ensure that both branchesshare responsibility regarding when the U.S. employs military force.

HR. 383 was introduced with 26 bipartisan cosponsors, including the top Democrat on the House ArmedServices Committee, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), as well as Republican Members on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

 “Now that the election is behind us, I believe this is the time for us to come together and reassert theconstitutional responsibility of Congress regarding the use of force. The Founders intended for the American people to be consulted before the President makes a decision to use military force, a powerentrusted to elected representatives in Congress. While the President has the constitutional authority

to take action to defend our cherished way of life, the Congress was empowered to decide when wewould go to war. However, this process has become out of balance over recent decades, withPresidents of both parties not complying with the provisions as originally intended,” said CongressmanGibson. “I am encouraged by the growing, bipartisan support of my colleagues for this legislation andtheir recognition that the solemn decision to use military force must be made with the utmost of care.” 

The War Powers Resolution, originally enacted over the President’s veto in 1973, requires the Presidentto seek Congressional authority after engaging the American military in hostile actions.

The War Powers Reform Act amends the War Powers Resolution to clarify the President’s authority touse military force. This authority is limited to when there has been a declaration of war, when there iscongressional authorization, or when the US is attacked or in imminent danger of being attacked. If the President desires to take military action when none of these circumstances are met, the Presidentmust first come to Congress for authorization.

In 2011, Congressman Gibson testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on this legislation.

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7/29/2019 U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson release on War Powers Reform Act

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Stephanie ValleDeputy Chief of Staff 

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19)

1708 Longworth HOB

stephanie.valle@mail.house.gov

O: 202-225-5614C: 202-271-2176