Becca Balint

Balint, Welch Host Roundtable on Election Integrity with Vermont Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas and Vermont Town Clerks

Position: Representatives Balint and Welch oppose the SAVE America Act, characterizing it as unnecessary legislation that would disenfranchise eligible voters and jeopardize Vermont's election integrity. They defend current election administration practices and express support for maintaining voting access protections.

SHELBURNE, VT – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committees, today hosted a roundtable discussion at the Shelburne Town Offices with Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Town Clerks to defend the integrity of free and fair elections in Vermont. “Our town clerks are the backbone of our democracy,” said Rep. Balint. “At a time when there’s widespread misinformation about elections, it’s especially important for Vermonters to hear directly from the people who administer our elections. They are dedicated public servants who do their work with care, transparency, and integrity. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from our state and local officials today about the safeguards already in place and the challenges they’re addressing. I know Vermonters want us all to keep working together to keep our elections free, fair, and secure.” “The SAVE America Act is a scam—it’s a bill in search of a problem. Representative Balint and I know it, and so do Vermont’s leaders, town clerks, and voters. In Vermont, our town clerks are on the front lines of protecting our democracy, and their hard work is essential to continuing our state’s proud history of high voter participation and secure elections. This bill would jeopardize that legacy by endangering the rights of thousands of eligible Vermonters to exercise their right to vote,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump and Republicans’ push for this bill—which would disenfranchise millions of voters right before the 2026 midterm elections—is no accident. We’re doing everything in our power to kill this bill, keep the integrity of Vermont’s elections strong, and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right to have a say in our democracy.” Town Clerks from Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Winooski, Brattleboro, Morrisville, and Shelburne attended to discuss the voting process and share the many steps taken to ensure fair, secure elections in Vermont. Diana Vachon, Shelburne Town Clerk, is the President of the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association (VMCTA). View photos from the event here. The Vermont Congressional Delegation opposes to President Trump’s executive orders on voting and Republicans’ Save America Act, which threaten to block millions of U.S. citizens from voting—disproportionately impacting women, people of color, seniors, and rural voters—and make it harder to register and vote by disrupting online registration and eliminating universal mail-in voting.

Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on House Farm Bill, Citing Cuts to Nutrition Assistance and Missed Opportunities for Rural Housing and Working Families

Position: Rep. Balint opposed the House Farm Bill, arguing it cuts SNAP nutrition assistance, reduces conservation funding, and fails to invest in rural housing and small-farm support. She proposed amendments to expand housing voucher programs and preserve affordable rural rental housing, which Republicans rejected.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) voted against a partisan Farm Bill that fails to meet the needs of rural communities and working families. Rep. Balint offered two amendments related to affordable housing and both were rejected by House Republicans. Every five years, Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, which impacts both farmers and families across the country. But the bill passed by House Republicans last week locks in cuts to SNAP that take food assistance away from millions, while failing to deliver meaningful relief for small and midsize farmers facing rising costs. It also cuts conservation funding and undermines investments in rural communities. “As written, this bill did not meet the moment,” said Rep. Balint. “It weakens food assistance at a time when too many families are already struggling with the cost of groceries, and it falls short in addressing the long-term challenges facing rural communities. We should be lowering costs, strengthening local agriculture, and expanding opportunity—not moving in the opposite direction.” Rep. Balint offered two amendments to the bill that would have advanced investments in rural housing stability and homeownership opportunities that are urgently needed in Vermont and across the country. Republicans rejected the amendments. Balint Amendment 199 - which would have strengthened pathways to homeownership by investing in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) homeownership program and the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program, helping renters and rural residents build long-term housing stability and equity. Balint Amendment 203 - which would have permanently authorized the USDA Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program to protect and preserve affordable rural rental housing, while also addressing the growing crisis of expiring USDA rental assistance contracts that put low-income residents at risk of displacement. Rep. Balint is commitment to advancing legislation that better supports farmers of all sizes, protects nutrition assistance, strengthens conservation programs, and invests in the long-term stability of rural communities.

Rep. Balint Introduces War Powers Resolution to End War of Choice in Iran

Position: Rep. Balint opposes the ongoing military operations in Iran as unauthorized by Congress and calls for a War Powers Resolution to end the conflict and require explicit congressional authorization for any continued military action.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today introduced a War Powers Resolution to bring an end to Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran that has cost American taxpayers an estimated $25 billion since its start. “Americans don’t even know why we are in this war, and neither does Congress,” said Rep. Balint. "This unauthorized war is yet another example of the Trump administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to consolidate power. At a time when Americans have told us everything is too expensive, it is shameful that we are wasting upwards of a billion dollars a day on this. We need it to end, to bring our servicemembers back to safety, and to get Congress and this administration to focus on lowering the cost of living here at home. Today, I introduced a War Powers Resolution which would direct the President to stop the use of U.S. Armed Forces in Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war from Congress. It is essential to hold every member of Congress accountable for allowing this war to continue and put them on record for the American people to see.” Rep. Balint joins the efforts of Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) members, including Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), and Chuy Garcia (IL-04), who are working in coordination to force votes in Congress on bringing the war in Iran to an end. War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives, meaning that this resolution will get a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks. Congresswoman Balint has been vocal in her opposition to the war since its beginning. Most recently, she slammed Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a Budget Committee hearing for the President’s request of $350 billion to continue funding the Iran war – the same cost of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for another ten years. In the two months since the beginning of the war, gas prices in Vermont have increased by 34%, and have reached their highest peak nationally in four years. The text of the War Powers Resolution can be viewed here.

Balint Leads CPC Task Force Hearing on Taxing Corporate Greed, Calls for Fairer Tax Code

Position: The release advocates for tax code reform to ensure corporations and high-income earners pay higher effective tax rates, framing the current system as inequitable and a driver of inequality.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, convened a shadow hearing this week on “Visions of an Affordable Life: Taxing Corporate Greed,” bringing together lawmakers and policy experts to examine how the current tax code fuels corporate profiteering and deepening inequality, and to outline potential solutions to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. At the hearing, Members and witnesses underscored how rising costs for working families are being driven by a tax system that rewards corporations and billionaires while leaving everyday Americans behind. “As a former history teacher, I often mention that we are in a second Gilded Age. And we have a responsibility to do things differently because it doesn't end well. The tax code is at the center of this problem,” said Rep. Balint. “If we're serious about making life more affordable and more manageable, which I am and which everyone here today is, then we have to make sure that taxes are a way to even the playing field for Americans.” “I think it is on us as Democrats, on our side of the aisle, to say no we understand this has been a long time in coming. This is a problem that we have not tended to enough and that's how we got here,” Balint continued. “It doesn't make any sense for us to get the gavels back if we don't use that power to make this a more fair and equitable economy...you shouldn’t have to be super wealthy and well-connected to have a good life in this country." Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Co-Chair of the Task Force, emphasized the role of corporate influence in shaping tax policy. “My Republican colleagues hear what we hear when we do town halls, yet we see these policies move forward that totally ignore what [the witnesses] just talked about today,” said Rep. McGovern. “My view is that is it not that they are ignorant about what the realities are, it is that they’re bought and they’re owned by corporate special interests. It’s the money in politics.” Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Co-Chair, highlighted how the current tax code reflects misplaced priorities. “A tax code is a statement of our values, and our values are completely upside down right now,” said Rep. Dexter. “It needs to create a stable foundation for families and communities to have what they need. Instead, our current system has rewarded the wealthiest Americans and corporations, short-changes workers, as we've heard, and concentrated wealth and power at the top.” Witnesses provided data and firsthand perspectives on the consequences of an inequitable tax system. “Americans are deeply frustrated with the tax code, not because taxes exist, but because the system feels rigged. They see corporations posting record profits while paying effective rates well below what a teacher or a nurse pays. They see billionaires treating the tax code like a game that they always win while their own costs for housing, healthcare, and childcare keep climbing,” said Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute. “That sense of unfairness is corrosive. It doesn't just make people angry about taxes, it erodes their belief in their government and that their government works for them at all.” Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families Over Billionaires, spoke to the lived experiences of working families. “The decisions that are made here in Washington, D.C. don’t stay here in Washington. They land on our kitchen tables, in community health clinics, and in the lives of ordinary people all across the country,” said Crowell. “This is not Democrats and Republicans from a voter perspective. That is over. It is class warfare. And that's what it feels like to families. They feel under attack.” Zorka Milin, Policy Director at the FACT Coalition, outlined how corporations exploit loopholes. “We analyzed this treasure trove of fresh tax data and found that 40 major American corporations reduced their tax bills by more than $11 billion through tax havens last year alone,” said Milin. “These findings confirm that our tax code fails to stop big corporations from moving their profits offshore at enormous costs to our federal revenues and domestic jobs. This isn't America first. It's corporations first, Americans last.” Corey Husak, Director of Tax Policy at the Center for American Progress, pointed to structural inequities in the tax system. “Voters say the rich aren't paying their fair share, and they're right,” said Husak. “Wall Street investors already have access to low capital gains rates. Why do they need exemptions from even paying that? Many pass-through business owners, like the president, are billionaires. Why do they need a pass-through deduction giving them lower marginal tax rates than their own workers?” Elizabeth Watson, Director of Federal Government Affairs at AFSCME, emphasized the broader impact of inequality. “Wealth inequality in America just reached a 30-year high. Today, one-third of wealth in the US is held by 1% of Americans,” said Watson. “These rich Americans have a powerful lobby in Congress fighting to rig the tax code in their favor. They're fighting to make it nearly impossible for working people to collectively bargain for their fair share.” Together, members and witnesses made clear that fixing the tax code is central to lowering costs, restoring fairness, and rebuilding trust in government. The CPC Ending Corporate Greed Task Force is focused on developing and advancing policies to hold corporations and billionaires accountable, including efforts on tax fairness, antitrust enforcement, price gouging, money in politics, and financial regulation. The full livestream of the hearing can be viewed here.

Rep. Balint Statement on Trump Firing Pam Bondi as Attorney General

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after reporting that President Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her position as Attorney General: “Pam Bondi drove the Justice Department into the ground and should have been removed long ago. Under her leadership, corruption and incompetence reigned. Bondi did not pursue justice on behalf of all Americans, she worked to cover up the misdeeds of the President and his ultra wealthy friends. She led political purges of career prosecutors, let white collar criminals off the hook, forced out those who would not agree to go along with pay-to-play schemes, and failed the Epstein survivors. Being fired, however, is not a ‘fix all.’ Congress still has a responsibility to hold her accountable for her wrongdoing, and I will continue pushing for that oversight. “I also have serious concerns about the path forward for the Department and have doubts about whether Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche or rumored successor Lee Zeldin will change the course of the Department. I will be watching closely. “The public made their voices heard on both Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi and it made a real difference. We need to keep showing up, keep demanding better, and keep holding those in power accountable, including other cabinet officials.”

Balint and Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Journalists Against Unreasonable Government Searches

Position: Balint and Wyden introduced legislation to strengthen protections for journalists against government searches and seizures by closing loopholes in the Privacy Protection Act of 1980, requiring the government to disclose the law's existence and prove exceptions apply before obtaining warrants, establishing mandatory judicial review for emergency seizures, and creating suppression processes for illegally obtained materials.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced a bill on Friday to strengthen privacy protections against unreasonable government searches and seizures that could chill reporting critical of the government. The bill follows Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) raiding the home of a Washington Post reporter. “This is the most corrupt administration in history, and we only know that because journalists have been doing the tireless work of delivering truth and transparency to the American people,” Balint said. “A free press serves an essential role in our democracy, which is why it is protected by our Constitution. We need to close the loopholes that have allowed administrations to strong-arm and intimidate journalists, and I am proud to work with Senator Wyden to do just that.” “My father was a journalist who escaped Nazi Germany. He taught me you can’t have a functioning democracy without a free press,” Wyden said. “Our bill sends a clear message that government agents have no business seizing the notes and electronic devices of reporters who are just doing their jobs. Congress must once again step up to protect journalists against attempts to intimidate reporters and chill sources who could blow the whistle on government wrongdoing.” Under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980, the government cannot search or seize journalists’ documentary or work-product materials, except in certain narrow circumstances. Congress passed that law out of concern about the chilling effect of government raids on the press, and required the government to use less intrusive methods. Unfortunately, the law contains numerous loopholes that have been exploited across presidential administrations. The government never needs to prove an exception to the law before obtaining a search warrant, or even mention that the law exists. Even if a judge finds that a search or seizure is illegal under the Privacy Protection Act, the government can still use those illegally obtained materials in court. Balint and Wyden’s bill would strengthen protections for journalists and close these loopholes. The Privacy Protection Updates Act would: Require the government to disclose the existence of the Privacy Protection Act and prove that an exception applies, if the government wants to search or seize a journalist’s materials with a warrant. Maintain the existing exception for exigent circumstances, but establish a new process for mandatory judicial review within 48 hours of the emergency seizures of a journalist’s materials to determine whether the search or seizure was justified. Create a process for suppression of journalist records that are illegally searched or seized. Clarify that the Privacy Protection Act applies to journalist records stored on the cloud. The Privacy Protection Updates Act is endorsed by the Committee to Protect Journalists, Demand Progress, Freedom of the Press Foundation, and Protect the 1st Foundation. “Free people rely on a free press, and the press is only free if it is unrestricted by government spying and intimidation. Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint’s update to the Privacy Protection Act is a much-needed safeguard that removes incentives to ransack the notes and sources of reporters. This bill corrects the law to ensure that the government cannot suppress free journalism and speech,” said Bob Goodlatte, former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Senior Policy Advisor for Protect the 1st. “Ignorance of the law is no defense, unless you're a prosecutor looking for a warrant to ransack a journalist's files. At least six times in recent years -- most recently, the raid of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson -- prosecutors seeking such warrants have failed to disclose to judges that, subject to a few narrow exceptions, they're illegal under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980. By the time the judge figures it out, it's too late -- the journalist's sources are compromised, and they can't publish any stories or investigations stored on seized devices. We commend Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint for recognizing this intolerable status quo and taking action to give the PPA some teeth and protect journalists' ability to inform the public. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have opposed journalist surveillance in the past and we hope this bill receives the enthusiastic bipartisan support it deserves,” wrote Seth Stern, Chief of Advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation. “The Privacy Protection Updates Act is what it looks like to take press freedom seriously. This necessary bill transforms a well-intentioned but outdated law into a modernized framework for a free and independent press with real consequences—establishing a powerful exclusionary rule, requiring greater transparency from the government in warrant applications, and ending the weak damages-only civil remedy that left journalists unprotected. Press freedoms are too vital to be left to the government's honor system, especially when the White House keeps eroding our core civil liberties. We thank Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint for their leadership and urge all members of Congress to get behind this needed bill,” said Kate Oh, Special Advisor at Demand Progress. “The government needs guardrails to prevent overreach. Reforms to the Privacy Protection Act will strengthen protections, enabling journalists to do their job and keep the public informed,” said Katherine Jacobsen, U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists. The one-pager of the bill is here.

Sanders, Welch, Balint Statement on Recent ICE Raids in South Burlington

Position: The representatives oppose ICE's operational conduct in recent raids in South Burlington, characterizing the agency's actions as reckless and unprofessional, and call for Congress to establish oversight mechanisms to constrain ICE's authority.

“President Trump’s domestic army, ICE, came into Vermont yesterday from out of state and, as is virtually always the case, acted in an irresponsible, reckless and unprofessional manner. “What happened yesterday in South Burlington was outrageous and avoidable. Rather than notifying local and state law enforcement of a planned arrest, ICE created a crisis that resulted in them using flashbang grenades and tear gas against protestors. To make matters worse, they failed to arrest the person they were initially pursuing and instead arrested at least three individuals who were not named on the warrant. “As a result of the reckless actions of ICE, local and state police were put in an impossibly difficult situation. “At a time when our country is deeply divided, this is not the way a federal agency should be conducting itself. It is long past time for Congress to take action to rein in ICE’s lawlessness.”

Reps. Balint, Takano, Pocan Join Sens. Schiff, Smith to Reintroduce Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving HIV Prevention Medications

Position: The representatives and senators support legislation to expand access to HIV prevention medications and care by ensuring coverage without out-of-pocket costs, establishing public health campaigns, and improving access for uninsured Americans.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Representatives Mark Takano (CA-39) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) to reintroduce the PrEP Access and Coverage Act, legislation to expand the availability of lifesaving HIV prevention medications and care. The bill would ensure HIV prevention drugs, as well as screenings, diagnostic procedures, administrative fees, and clinical follow-ups are covered by health insurance without out-of-pocket costs for patients. It would also establish community public health campaigns and improve access to medications for uninsured Americans. The introduction of this bill comes as the Trump administration has initiated sweeping cuts to CDC grants that support HIV prevention programs and several states have limited funding for those receiving federally funded HIV treatment. “Every Vermonter deserves affordable, stigma-free access to lifesaving HIV prevention and treatment,” said Rep. Balint, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the Trump administration drives up health care costs and slashes funding for PrEP and HIV prevention, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to protect access to HIV medication and recommit to ending the HIV epidemic once and for all.” “HIV prevention drugs and care should be accessible and affordable to every American to keep our communities safe and help people live healthy lives. Under Donald Trump, health care is becoming increasingly expensive and unattainable as this administration makes devastating and politically motivated funding cuts to programs intended to mitigate the spread of HIV. This bill is essential to filling the gap with necessary HIV treatments to ensure people don’t go without life-saving medication, and I’m proud to join my Senate and House colleagues in introducing it,” said Senator Schiff. “Everyone deserves access to affordable and effective accessible health care,” said Senator Smith. “Minnesotans and folks across the country are unduly burdened by the costs associated with of preventative, life-saving HIV medication. It’s especially important to introduce this bill now as the Trump Administration has made huge funding cuts limiting access to HIV medication. My bill makes sure patients can access HIV prevention drugs and all of the ancillary services that add up when they’re trying to access this care.” "HIV can impact any of us, and it is critical that treatment and prevention are readily available to everyone," said Congressman Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "This Administration has ushered in historic cuts to health care for millions of Americans, including access to PrEP and HIV prevention programs. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure that access and availability are not barriers to putting an end to this public health crisis." “Making it easier to access lifesaving medicines like PrEP just makes sense,” Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Mark Pocan (WI-02) said. “We’ve made great strides in fighting this disease, but there is still more we can do. Removing barriers to these preventive medicines, rather than making folks go through hoops will save lives. Thank you, Senators Schiff, Smith and Congressman Takano, for introducing this vital legislation.” The PrEP Access and Coverage Act would eliminate barriers and ensure access to HIV prevention medication by: This legislation is endorsed by the Congressional Equality Caucus, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, PrEP4All, Equality California, The AIDS Institute, Whitman-Walker Health, Aliveness Project, National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), Human Rights Campaign, and NMAC. “The ‘PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026’ would create a comprehensive national PrEP program that guarantees PrEP for everyone who needs it, both the insured and uninsured. It would fill a critical gap in our nation’s response to ending HIV; while we have a comprehensive HIV treatment program, we need a corresponding program for prevention. We urge Congress to swiftly pass it,” said HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute Executive Director Carl Schmid. “We praise Sens. Smith and Schiff and Reps. Takano, Balint, and Pocan for championing this bill that would ensure people with insurance have access to PrEP, including newer long-acting options, without cost-sharing or prior authorization. To increase PrEP uptake, especially in communities where it has been lacking, it would provide grants to states, community-based organizations, community health centers, and others to establish and support PrEP programs. These programs would not only provide PrEP for the uninsured, but also much needed community and provider outreach.” “We’re grateful to Senator Smith and Senator Schiff for their leadership on the PrEP Access and Coverage Act. Communities most impacted by HIV continue to face unnecessary complexity in accessing PrEP medications, required lab work, and other essential services. With only one in four of the 2.2 million Americans who could benefit from PrEP currently able to access it, the need for clear, consistent, no-nonsense PrEP coverage across all public and private insurers is urgent. At a moment when protections for preventive care are being actively undermined, this legislation would safeguard and strengthen a national vision for PrEP access that aligns with our shared goal of ending HIV as an epidemic.” Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director, PrEP4All The full text of the bill is available here.

Rep. Balint Votes for War Powers Resolution to Rein in Trump’s Military Actions in Iran

Position: Rep. Balint voted for a War Powers Resolution requiring congressional approval for continued military actions in Iran, arguing that the President lacks constitutional authority to initiate military force without Congress and that no imminent threat justifying the action was presented to lawmakers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting for the War Powers Resolution that would rein in the President’s use of military force in Iran (H. Con. Res. 38) and to re-affirm Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism (H. Res. 1099): “The Iranian people have suffered under a brutal and oppressive authoritarian regime for decades. Iran is the primary state sponsor of several terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Condemning Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism does not authorize the President to start an illegal war. “Two things can be true at once: the regime in Iran should be condemned, and there continues to be no good case being made to Congress that there was an imminent threat to us or our interests that warranted troops being put in harm's way. Congress makes the decision on if we should go to war, not the President. That is why I also voted for today's War Powers Resolution, which would require the Trump administration to get congressional approval to continue their military actions in Iran. “It seems Republicans are desperate to abdicate their authority and grasp at straws that excuse the administration’s dangerous, illegal attack that has already resulted in the tragic loss of six service members. They have failed to learn from history and are continuing to repeat their deeply unpopular playbook of cutting taxes for the rich and starting wars in the Middle East. Americans do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East, and I will continue to do everything in my power to hold this administration accountable to the People and to the Constitution.”

Rep. Balint Statement on Trump's Unauthorized Attack on Iran

Position: Rep. Balint opposes President Trump's unauthorized military attack on Iran, arguing it violates constitutional authority and congressional war powers, lacks justification based on imminent threat, and destabilizes the region.

BRATTLEBORO, VT – Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after it was announced that President Trump had launched an unauthorized attack against Iran overnight: “President Trump has launched another dangerous, illegal attack on Iran without authorization from Congress. We have no reason to believe America was at any imminent risk - especially after President Trump claimed to have ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program in June. It’s true that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leads a brutal and oppressive regime, and I support the Iranian people bravely protesting to bring change. But this attack is not a plan for peace. It has put our troops in harm's way, thrown the entire region into conflict, and violates our Constitution and Congressional authority.