Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012:

“Today the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, which provides our Armed Forces the resources they need to keep America safe and also supports our military families. While I voted for this legislation, I absolutely condemn the Authorization for Use of Military Force in the bill that essentially gives a blank check to the President to declare war against anyone, anytime and anywhere.

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution makes it clear that it is the responsibility of Congress to consider our president's decision before involving ourselves in any military conflict. President Obama has expressed strong opposition to the expansion of power contained in the National Defense Authorization Act. I am deeply disappointed that the Republicans, after almost a decade of two undeclared and unfunded wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, have chosen to surrender the constitutional authority of the U.S. Congress.”