Vote YES on Lebanon War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res.108

Co-lead: Representative Delia Ramirez

Co-sponsors (36): Amo, Ansari, Carson, Casar, Castro, Dexter, Doggett, Foushee, Garcia (IL), Green, Grijalva, Hoyle, Jackson, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson (GA), Khanna, Lee (PA), Mannion, Mejia, Mfume, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pingree, Pocan, Quigley, Randall, Scott, Simon, Stansbury, Underwood, Velazquez, Walkinshaw, Waters, Watson Coleman

I urge you to vote YES on Tuesday on the Lebanon War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res.108) to end unauthorized U.S. participation in the Israeli government's ongoing brutal invasion, bombing, and illegal military occupation of Lebanon. This resolution was introduced with the support and input from Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and the public support of House Democratic Leadership, who called it “the best legislative vehicle to keep U.S. troops out of Lebanon.”

It has become clear that any chance of success for a lasting peace deal to end the war with Iran requires an end to the Israeli invasion and occupation in Lebanon. Congress ordering an end to U.S. participation in those hostilities would be a powerful step towards achieving this outcome.

Since the launch of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon nearly 4 months ago, over 4,247 Lebanese have been killed—including over 800 since the previous Lebanon WPR vote earlier this month—and over 12,179 more have been wounded. At least 1.3 million have been forcibly displaced—over 20% of the population. Eleven children are killed or injured every day, as reported by UNICEF. Violent Forced Displacement Orders have been issued for over 14 percent of Lebanese territory, including entire major cities, regions, and densely populated neighborhoods, with residents ordered to leave or die. 

The United States is not a bystander or indirect supporter of this war—it is an active participant in hostilities. In Lebanon, the Trump administration is providing targeting intelligence, coordinating strikes, and giving the green light on specific Israeli military operations. The administration is also providing spare parts and maintenance to keep Israeli jets in the air. Without that support, those jets cannot drop bombs to kill Lebanese civilians.

Not only is the Trump administration illegally participating in hostilities —it is openly ignoring Congressional oversight of this involvement. On May 7th, twelve U.S. Senators wrote to the Administration requesting specific information about U.S. coordination with Israeli strikes and other actions that would violate the War Powers Act, including refueling, intelligence sharing, targeting, and other assistance. 

The Senators have received no answers, and the Executive Branch has not even tried to argue that the U.S. role in Israeli hostilities in Lebanon complies with U.S. law. 

Congress must reassert its Constitutional authority and immediately vote to end U.S. participation in the destruction of Lebanon. I urge you to VOTE YES on H.Con.Res.108 when it comes to the Floor this week.