Garamendi on Iran deal, defense spending, and FCC (with Joe Mathieu; Kailey Leinz)

Asks about the prospect of a deal vs. war with Iran and what Garamendi is hearing at the committee level.

Joe Mathieu

John Garamendi

We hope for a deal that puts us back to where we were before the war started: the Strait of Hormuz open, negotiations on the nuclear issue and enriched uranium. The Iranian regime is terrible to its own people and disruptive to the Middle East.

At the very least, we get back to where we were before this war started.

Asks if the new normal will be the same as the old normal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, given Iran now knows it has leverage.

Kailey Leinz

John Garamendi

This war has proven to Iran they can control 20% of the oil shipped around the world. That is enormous leverage. It is not clear if they will give that up. The MOU language is unclear on Iran's relationship to the Strait and under what circumstances they get payments for transit.

If we get back to an open straight with shipping by all countries, with restrictions and sanctions on Iran, that would be a great starting point. All these things are blowing in the wind.

Asks about the AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force) and whether it will pass if there is an MOU or framework deal.

Joe Mathieu

John Garamendi

My own AUMF matures this week. The one put off last week must come up. It's a message from Congress to the President that you cannot start a war anytime for any reason. You must obey the Constitution; it is Congress's power to declare war.

The authorization to use military force puts pressure on the president because he is clearly outside constitutional boundaries.

Asks if it is necessary to approve a $1.5 trillion defense budget and supplemental appropriations for rebuilding America's arsenal.

Kailey Leinz

John Garamendi

Absolutely not. There is no justification for spending another $500 billion more than we currently spend. The deficit will continue to soar, affecting markets and interest rates. We should not approve any money over current appropriations without clear justification.

We do have to replenish stockpiles, but is that money already available in current appropriations? That analysis must be done by the committees.

Asks about the FCC moving up the expiration date of Disney's ABC stations and Garamendi's response as a California Democrat.

Joe Mathieu

John Garamendi

I am very concerned about the FCC using its power to suppress free speech. It is a major step towards the end of our republic if the federal government has the power to shut down television stations.

This administration is moving in that direction to the detriment of our democracy.

Asks if Congress can do anything to stop the FCC action.

Kailey Leinz

John Garamendi

No. Republicans will not allow any legislation to stop it. On the Democratic side, we will introduce legislation and stand up. There is a tenuous break in the Republican blockade; we may need only three Republicans to vote with Democrats to change policy in the House.

There are very unhappy members of Congress and the Senate as a result of what Trump did in the last elections, and more to come as primaries roll out.

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