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Candidates urge stronger congressional oversight on war powers and criticize current administration
Summary
In the Hartford debate, candidates across the spectrum said Congress must reclaim authority over military action; John Larson cited the War Powers Act and called for impeachment, while challengers described recent actions as an "illegal war" and tied foreign policy to domestic costs.
Foreign policy and war powers drew pointed remarks. John Larson cited Article I and the War Powers Act, saying "the president of The United States has to come before the United States Congress" and arguing Congress must reclaim the authority to declare war. Multiple candidates described recent strikes as "illegal" and linked them to rising costs at home, with Ruth Fortune saying the war "is driving up costs for us here at home" and Luke Bronin calling the actions "reckless."
Candidates tied oversight and accountability to broader themes of congressional power: Larson said accountability requires citizen pressure and cross‑party cooperation; Bronin suggested building a movement and winning majorities so Congress can act as a check. The debate highlighted bipartisan frustration and positioned the primary as a forum for asserting legislative prerogatives on national security decisions.
