Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) released a statement today after the House passed two pieces of legislation that defund military responses to Iran and repeal the Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iraq without a replacement. Mullin was not present for the votes but would have voted “no” on both bills.

“This is just the latest attempt by Pelosi Democrats to undermine President Trump at every turn,” Mullin said. “While the AUMF may need some updating and enhancing, repealing it without providing updated authority puts our national security at risk and ties our president’s hands. This takes away his ability to respond militarily to increasing threats from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations in Iraq and keep Americans safe at home and abroad.”

Rather than passing these measures as standalone bills, Democrats attached them as amendments to H.R. 550, the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. This prevented Republicans from offering amendments to the legislation.

“It’s shameful that the Pelosi Democrats rammed these important bills through without input from the minority, Mullin continued. “The AUMF is a serious matter and all sides should be able to debate it on the House floor.”