Iowa reps Zach Nunn, Mariannette Miller-Meeks back Iran War powers vote after past opposition
The resolution passed for a third time in the U.S. This time around, Nunn and Miller-Meeks joined the ‘yes’ vote
DES MOINES, Iowa —
For the third time, the House has passed a war powers resolution related to the war in Iran. Seven Republicans joined Democrats, including Iowa Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks — both of whom previously voted against the measure and are now facing criticism from their Democratic challengers.
“I’m not afraid to stand up to the president, the Republican Party, or candidly, Democrats who just want to abandon the situation and run away,” said Nunn.
When asked if this decision involved the upcoming midterm elections, Rep. Nunn told KCCI he’s prioritizing national security interests.
“We had hoped this summer that we could reach some type of a peace agreement. We’ve leaned on sanctions long term to hold Iran accountable. And also, when we’re using kinetic force, we’re always going to defend ourselves. That’s the priority that drives my decision-making on this,” said Nunn.
He also said fallen soldiers from this war, including those from Iowa, are owed congressional responsibility.
KCCI spoke with his opponent, Sarah Trone Garriott, who pointed out that Nunn voted against the resolution five times in the past.
“It’s been going on for more than six months, and it’s cost Iowans more than 38 billion dollars, and his vote last night was too little, too late,” said Trone Garriott.
She says Nunn should be judged on his voting record, which she says has cost Iowans.
“He has consistently voted to support this war,” she said. “His record is really clear.”
Miller-Meeks sent out a statement on her vote.
“I served 24 years in the Army. I said it in March: the mission had to stay focused and limited, because Americans do not want another forever war. I will not vote to keep our soldiers in an open-ended war, with Iowans paying too much at the pump,” said Miller-Meeks in the statement. “The Iranian regime and its nuclear ambitions have been defanged. The President needs to present a plan to Congress and the American people for how this ends so we can focus on bringing our soldiers home and lowering prices.”
Christina Bohannan, her opponent in the upcoming midterm elections, responded in a statement to KCCI. “Rep. Miller-Meeks voted 5 times for the Iran War, continuing it for over six months, as gas, diesel, and fertilizer prices have skyrocketed for Iowans,” said Bohannan. “The fact that it took her until weeks before an election to realize how angry the people she represents are shows just how out of touch she is in her Washington bubble.”