The Overwatch

Jessica Villarreal knows the true cost of war. She and her husband deployed to the Middle East, bringing back injuries and illnesses they will carry for the rest of their lives. Jessica recently wrote in Stars and Stripes about her experiences and what war really means for those who serve: War is more than the… Read more »

Constitutional duty is never something Congress should view as an option. But when it comes to war powers, that is exactly what happens. In the last two decades, members of Congress have willingly ceded their responsibilities to make tough choices about military action and war, often choosing politics over duty. The military continues to operate… Read more »

As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to grow, it’s becoming clearer that Congress needs to take back its constitutional responsibilities around war and peace and rigorously debate where, when, and why we send troops into harm’s way. Concerned Veterans for America Senior Advisor Dan Caldwell recently wrote in The Hill that Congress… Read more »

Last week, the Senate voted down an amendment that would have reasserted Congress’ constitutional role in deciding where, when, and why Americans are sent to war. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Udall the amendment would have required that Congress authorize use of force against Iran before any military action could take place or any funds spent on military action unless Iran… Read more »

This week, the House of Representatives voted to take back congressional control of war powers. The House Minibus Appropriations package, which included appropriations for the Department of Defense with an amendment from Rep. Barbara Lee to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). This amendment would eliminate the often-misinterpreted law that has… Read more »