Brian Varela Calls on Congress to Assert its War Powers as House Votes on Iran Resolution

Morris County, NJ (March 5, 2026) – Brian Varela, Democratic candidate for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, issued the following statement today as the House prepares to vote on a war powers resolution to halt President Trump's war-of-choice against Iran:

"Six American service members are dead. Thousands of Americans abroad are scrambling to get home. Airspace across the Middle East is closed. A troubled region is at risk of descending into further chaos and Congress is about to vote to let one man decide whether we go to war. That is not how this country is supposed to work.

"The Constitution is clear: Article I gives Congress the power to declare war, not the president or the Pentagon. The framers put that check in place because they knew what can happen when one person holds unchecked power to send other people's children into combat.

"Tom Kean Jr. and House Republicans had the chance today to stand up for that principle. Most of them did not. They chose to hand Donald Trump a blank check for a war that nobody voted on, nobody authorized, and that is already costing American lives.

"I will fight to restore Article I's war powers. No president, Republican or Democrat, should be able to take this country into a war of choice without Congress voting on it. That is not a partisan position. That is the Constitution. And if Tom Kean Jr. is too afraid to defend it, the people of New Jersey's 7th deserve a representative who will."

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About Brian Varela

Brian Varela is a 37-year-old first-generation American, small business owner, and father running for Congress in NJ-07. Raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents, Brian put himself through college, helped raise his younger brother, and built one of the fastest-growing companies in America during the COVID crisis. Recognized by Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine for leadership and innovation, Brian brings a real-world perspective to one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Visit www.varelaforcongress.com for more information and follow us on Threads, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.