U.S. Congressman Andy Barr, a Republican from Kentucky and senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has voiced strong opposition to a War Powers Resolution proposed by fellow Kentuckian Thomas Massie and supported by Democrats. Barr voted against the measure, calling it “dangerous” and arguing that it would undermine U.S. national security.
In remarks delivered on the House floor, Barr stated: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong opposition to this dangerous and misguided war powers resolution that would weaken our country and serve as a gift to our enemies. The radical terrorist regime in Tehran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism has targeted and killed thousands of Americans since 1979.
“The United States, Israel, and all of our allies are safer because the Ayatollah is dead. Since the taking of our hostages from our Embassy in 1979 to the infamous 1983 Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 U.S. Marines to the attack on the USS Cole that left 37 Navy sailors dead to the maiming and killing of thousands of U.S. military members during the global war on terrorism, the Iranian terrorist regime has always posed a grievous threat to the United States. Operation Epic Fury is neutralizing that threat, and it has been a tremendous success.
“President Trump promised that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon. He is acting on that promise to make the world a safer place, and he is complying with the law. In doing so, the President is complying with the notification requirements of the war powers resolution, not only through the consultation provisions and not only with routinely updating Congress, but also under the commander-in-chief powers as a legal matter.
“The President of the United States doesn’t need the permission of Congress to engage in hostilities to protect the American people. The Commander-in-Chief clause gives the President the exclusive power to command the military and operations approved by Congress. And it also gives the President substantial independent power to direct miliary operations so long as the President does not infringe on the exclusive powers of Congress.
“What are the exclusive powers of Congress? The declaration power. We have been silent on that. Another is Appropriations, or the power of the purse. This Congress has appropriated funds to defend the country, and we increased appropriations through the reconciliation bill this year. The NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) that is policy of this Congress which identifies Iran as a threat to our country. The Constitution was clear that Congress has sole authority to declare war which changes legal status of country.
“But framers did not think language meant President and Congress have to work together all time to turn on keys of war powers. Founders were practical men. They understood Congress is slow to act. Alexander Hamilton argued in Federalist 70 that energy in Executive is essential for national security, unity, secrecy, dispatch, and decision. And he contended single president is vital for defending country.
“So Congress’s real power is not just declaration power; it’s power of purse. If my friends want constrain President they have authority do it through appropriations process. They do not have constitutional authority constrain President from defending this country and defending our national security advancing our national security ridding world this mess I yield back.”
Andy Barr currently represents Kentucky’s 6th district in Congress after replacing Ben Chandler in 2013 [source](https://barr.house.gov/about). Before serving at federal level he was part of Kentucky House of Representatives [source](https://barr.house.gov/about). Born in Lexington in 1973, Barr still resides there at age 49 [source](https://barr.house.gov/about/full-biography). He graduated from University of Virginia with a BA in 1996 before earning his JD from University of Kentucky College of Law five years later [source](https://barr.house.gov/about/full-biography).
