NJ Assemblymen Matt Ahearn Resolution Against War

Green Party Assemblyman Matt Ahearn Introduces Resolution Barring War Against Iraq Unless Declared by Congress

Green Party Assemblyman Matt Ahearn of Fair Lawn has introduced a resolution barring a war against Iraq without a formal Declaration of War by Congress as called for in the Constitution.

"We are on the verge of what could well be the longest and costliest war in our history, and the clear and present danger from Iraq as a nation is questioned by many thoughtful people in New Jersey," said Ahearn.

"The only way for the people of New Jersey and the United States as a whole to have confidence that the pending war with Iraq is a necessary war in self defense of our homeland is to require Congress to debate the issue and vote for or against war with Iraq."

The Resolution (AS252 ), introduced Monday, requests Congress to: *"Evaluate all classified proof the President has of the alleged connection between Iraq's government and the September 11th attacks; *Determine if there is an imminent threat from Iraq to the national security of the United States *Determine the impact of a large scale military action on the U.S. economy *Determine how the U.S. will pay for such costs. It also calls for a comprehensive plan for U.S. financial and political commitment to long-term stabilization in a free Iraq as well as short term humanitarian assistance in the wake of a war; and a comprehensive statement by the President that details what long term effects a ground war in Iraq will have for the broader war on terrorism.

Ahearn pointed out that the War Powers Resolution passed on November 7, 1973 allows the President to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities or anticipated hostilities when time prohibits the debate and vote by Congress required by the Constitution.

"We cannot allow our Congressional representatives to defer to the executive branch or the UN for such a risky but important decision," commented Ahearn.

"Our locally elected representatives must debate and evaluate whether or not a war of occupation in Iraq is in our country's best interest."

"While diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the need for war, there is still time for the checks and balances of the Constitution to be exercised. Congress owes that to our troops."

If Congress does not pass a declaration of war against Iraq, the resolution urges Congress to limit the use of force in the region to only that which is required to react to or prevent overt hostile acts by Iraq beyond its borders and towards the U.S. or its allies and to give the teeth needed for diplomatic disarmament efforts to continue.

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