PAAIA:

With the passage of S.J.Res.68, Leila Austin, Executive Director of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), today issued the following statement:

"On behalf of PAAIA, I applaud the Senate for its passage of S.J.Res.68 and for the leadership of Senators Tim Kaine, Dick Durbin and Mike Lee in championing this critical resolution. The resolution asserts Congress’ constitutional authority in declaring war – a costly decision that cannot be approached lightly. Given the quick escalation of tensions earlier this year, PAAIA remains deeply concerned about the potential for unnecessary conflict between Iran and the United States. A war with Iran is estimated to be far more costly than previous conflicts in the Middle East, jeopardizing countless American lives and driving our nation further into debt.

“PAAIA will continue to advocate that U.S. interests are best served by prioritizing diplomacy and supporting the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people, and we call upon the House to vote in the affirmative of this resolution, encouraging renewed diplomacy between the two countries and demonstrating the will of Congress as against unauthorized war with Iran.”

The bipartisan legislation was led by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and has a total of 25 other cosponsors. It passed in the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 55-45. While the measure does not have enough votes override a presidential veto, the legislation's passage sends a strong message to the Administration to seek congressional approval before escalation into conflict with Iran. 

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