FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2026

Press Contact:

Vincent Errichetti

(617) 922-1824

Press@johndeatonforsenate.com

U.S. Air Force Maj. John "Alex" Klinner died in an aircraft crash in Iraq in March, supporting the United States' military operation against Iran.

BOLTON, MA -- John Deaton, candidate for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, responded to intervention by Vice President J.D. Vance after Libby Klinner, the widow of Major John “Alex” Klinner, took to social media to reveal that the military had denied her the benefits of a husband killed in active duty combat, arguing that the current military operation in Iran does not constitute a formal war.

"I was heartened to hear that Mrs. Klinner will hopefully receive the benefits she is entitled to, but my concern remains for the many other spouses whose partners are deployed in a protracted Middle East engagement with no congressional approval or end in sight," said Deaton.

"The Senate must reestablish itself as an co-equal branch of government. That means supporting passage of a War Powers resolution or placing judicial limits on this unconstitutional military action.

"In 2011, the Senate declined to rebuke the Obama administration for a seven-month engagement in Libya. We are on the precipice of establishing another dangerous precedent that pushes the power to declare war away from lawmakers and to the executive branch with no constraints or consequences."

BACKGROUND:

On Thursday, Vice President Vance said he would seek a briefing on the circumstances of Libby Klinner, who garnered international media attention, and promised the widow of Major John "Alex" Klinner, a Trussville Air Force major killed during Operation Epic Fury will receive the benefits she is entitled to. (ABC 33/40, 9/3/26)

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