Protesters rally outside Moran’s office

TYLER — Members of Indivisible Smith County and the East Texas Organizing Coalition rallied outside Congressman Nathaniel Moran’s office Tuesday, demanding he back a War Powers Resolution to halt what they called an unauthorized march toward conflict with Iran. The demonstration came after Moran publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy “an entire civilization.”

On our weekly In Focus program, Moran said while he backed efforts tied to U.S. national security, including targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities, he believes certain language being used goes too far. “Certainly, I do not agree with and do not support the notion of destroying a civilization,” Moran said. “That goes beyond where we need to go as a nation.”

The protesting organization is urging the congressman to invoke a War Powers Resolution, which would check the president’s authority to engage the nation in armed conflict without Congressional approval.

In a letter addressed to Moran, the organization additionally asked that he block any funding for the war and hold the Trump administration accountable “for their crimes and corruption.”

In a statement to our news partner KETK, Moran said he respects the right of Americans to peacefully assemble and affirmed his support for the president:

“Congressman Moran has already been clear on this issue: he supports the President having the latitude to defend American national security interests, and he has consistently supported those decisions to the extent they are consistent with the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution. That is — and has been — his position.”