May 9, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 77 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages H3509-H3510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           QUESTIONS OF THE RULE OF LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, this week the Nation has seen this 
Congress deal with the questions of the rule of law and the 
Constitution. But this Congress believes that our work is for the 
people and, at the same time, our oversight on issues of national 
security are immense and important.
  Yesterday, I raised a question of military presence off the shores of 
Iran; for no explanation has been given to the United States Congress 
on the need for that presence.
  And having been a Member of Congress during the Iraq war and, 
certainly, during the war in Afghanistan, committed to the men and 
women of the United States military, only Congress can declare war. 
This administration must advise and seek consent of Congress. But those 
of us who are concerned about national security, with the 
jurisdictional committees, must be briefed, and must be made aware to 
protect the American people.
  So I stand here today to say the rule of law is important, but the 
national security of this country is important. No war without the 
involvement and engagement of the United States Congress.
  We believe in peace and diplomacy.

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