Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition, where he made clear that Donald Trump launched massive and ongoing military operations against Iran without the authorization of Congress, and Democrats remain committed to compelling a vote on a War Powers Resolution when Congress returns.

EMILY KWONG: Leader Jeffries, welcome back to All Things Considered.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you for having me on.

EMILY KWONG: First, what is your reaction to reports of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, and what does it mean for security in the region?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I’m not going to shed any tears as it relates to his death. He’s brutalized his own people and built an Iran that is the largest state sponsor of terror in the world. But what comes next is unclear because the Trump administration has not been able to articulate a plan, one, to ensure that U.S. forces are not entangled in a forever war in the Middle East, which we know would be a disaster. And this notion of regime change has never been successful, as most recently indicated by its failure in Iraq, its failure in Libya and its failure in Afghanistan.

EMILY KWONG: What would a War Powers Resolution do if passed? You’ve been talking about this for a while now. Just help us understand how it could change the situation on the ground at this point.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the resolution would require that Donald Trump immediately terminate the use of any U.S. armed forces from any hostilities against Iran or any part of its government or military, unless that is explicitly authorized by a declaration of war that comes from the United States Congress. That’s, of course, consistent with what is required by the Constitution. And it’s required by Constitution because the President, on matters of war and peace, is supposed to make the case to the American people, which we believe he has failed to make at this point to justify or risk another entanglement in a failed forever foreign war. So the resolution would require immediate termination of any additional military action absent the President making his case to the American people.

EMILY KWONG: How will you convince enough of your colleagues in Congress to vote for this, including those who perhaps support some kind of military action in Iran?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s a bipartisan resolution that has been introduced by Congressman Khanna and Congressman Massie. We believe we will secure some additional Republican support, but we’re working on that right now. We’ll have a Caucus meeting tomorrow—on Sunday—to discuss it. We know there will be strong support for it within the House Democratic Caucus and strong opposition to what Donald Trump has done in this particular instance or moving forward. But we have a few days to be able to try to get to the 218 votes necessary to ensure that the resolution passes.

EMILY KWONG: This is all happening amid weeks of negotiations with Iran. So what do you wish the Trump administration had done instead? Because as you said in a statement earlier this week, Iran should be, quote, aggressively confronted for human rights abuses, threats to allies and more.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, that aggressive confrontation, in my view, should involve strong diplomacy coupled with sanctions, as were very successful under the Obama administration and being able to constrain Iran’s nuclear program. This was not an issue until Donald Trump walked away from the Iran nuclear agreement, and now has brought us to the brink of a possible war in the Middle East. So aggressive diplomacy coupled by aggressive sanctions is the better course of action. And unfortunately, we’ve not seen this from this administration which risks entanglement in another failed forever foreign war.

EMILY KWONG: So to you, the only solution, the only way forward, is to de-escalate? Would it be responsible to walk away after the U.S. and Israel started this though?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that’s going to be a question for the administration to have to answer. They’ve gotten us into this situation. But what we do know is that further military action, you cannot engage in successful regime change or change the conditions on the ground simply with air superiority by the military. Right? That became clear in Afghanistan and that became clear in Iraq. It will also be the case in Iran. So disengagement at this point, at least from further military action, absent getting explicit authorization from the United States Congress, as per the Constitution, is the next course of action that needs to be taken.

EMILY KWONG: The U.S. and Israel appear to be working in lockstep here, and it is an alliance that is fundamentally based on security, right? So I wonder, in this moment, how do you feel about the state of the U.S.-Israel relationship and what it means for our collective safety?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think what needs to happen, and obviously in the region, Israel’s an ally, Jordan’s an ally and Egypt’s an ally. I think as it relates to the Iranian question, we’ve got to handle our business as it relates to compliance with Article I of the Constitution and Congress only having the ability to declare war. As it relates to the broader dynamic in terms of Israel, the most significant question to get to a just and lasting peace, for instance, with the Palestinian people people is going to require a viable path to a two-state solution.

EMILY KWONG: When it comes to Iran, if Trump’s stated goal is truly regime change, then how much responsibility does the U.S. have going forward?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the American people believe that our taxpayer dollars should be spent at this moment in time to actually make life more affordable for everyday Americans in an environment where the cost of living is out of control, where Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, costs have gone up. He’s spending taxpayer dollars in ways that are offensive to the American people, including creating a $75 billion ICE slush fund so they could brutalize and in some cases kill American citizens. And now we’re seeing the potential use of taxpayer dollars to be spent in ways that will get us into a possible endless war. That’s not acceptable, and that’s not what the American people want to see.

EMILY KWONG: Last question. Leader Jeffries, what is your plan heading into this week when you go to Congress? What do you want to see done?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ll meet tomorrow as House Democrats working to secure the support necessary on our side and then continuing to have conversations with a handful of our Republican colleagues so we can actually successfully move this resolution at some point on Wednesday or Thursday.

EMILY KWONG: Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, thank you for talking with us.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be listened to here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s strikes in Iran:

“I am deeply committed to protecting the safety of American service members and civilians in the Middle East at a moment when the president has initiated a new war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people.

“Across the country, Americans have made clear that they do not want to be drawn into another open-ended, costly conflict in the Middle East. They deserve full honesty about the financial, strategic, and human consequences of a major military escalation—especially at a time when families are struggling with rising grocery prices, health‑care costs, and rent. Any mission undertaken in their name must be grounded in law, guided by a coherent strategy, and built around a clear endgame. It cannot be an open-ended commitment that risks American lives and diverts billions of taxpayer dollars away from urgent needs here at home.

“Iranian hardliners are brutal, and their violations of human rights and sponsorship of global terror are well documented.  The world wants freedom for the people of Iran, but right now, the Administration has left us with more questions than answers. 

“The American people have repeatedly rejected the idea of another ‘forever war.’ History shows that the consequences of entering conflicts without defined objectives or a realistic plan to conclude them cost our nation dearly.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids issued the following statement following President Trump’s announcement that the United States has launched strikes on Iran without Congressional approval.

 

“For decades, the Iranian regime has killed its own citizens, robbed them of their freedom, funded regional terrorism, and contributed to global instability. I believe in the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and am committed to Iran never developing nuclear weapon capabilities.

 

“That said, costly, endless wars without congressional authorization are not the answer. We cannot repeat the mistakes of our past, and I am extremely concerned about what this attack could drag us into. I am especially thinking of our servicemembers and hoping for their safety.

 

“The President has not been granted congressional approval for these acts of war. At the least, this administration must immediately answer to Congress on its objectives, legal justification, and plans to prevent the unnecessary death of American service members.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the United States carried out strikes against Iran and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli air strike:
 

“Today’s attack on Iran was an act of war. Its purported purpose, to stop Khamenei’s fanatical regime from committing further acts of terror, is defensible. Donald Trump’s unilateral, unconstitutional decision to go to war without congressional approval is not.
 
“The Constitution is clear: the decision to declare war is not and should not be in a single person’s hands. That is especially true of a President who has so frequently demonstrated his willingness to use deadly force even when other options are available.
 
“Congress has war powers for a reason. We must exercise them and constrain the President. If we do not, we cede our authority under Article I, Section 8.
 
“The Trump Administration has yet to share any coherent plan to ensure Khamenei isn’t replaced by yet another radical terrorist dictator. Brute force alone cannot overcome the Iranian threat and bring stability to the region. We replaced a regime in Iraq at a great cost of lives and treasure.
 
“Trump promised America ‘no new wars.’ Now, contrary to the Constitution’s constraints, he has brought us to the brink of another one. I pray for the safety of our men and women in uniform. Congress must act.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, made the following statement after reviewing overnight reports of the joint U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran:

“The American people did not vote for another war in the Middle East. They voted for lower costs, safer communities, and improving quality of life for their families — not launching military action that risks dragging us into another open-ended conflict with Iran.

“The Trump Administration is asking Americans to accept a war of choice with no clear objective and no endgame. While a limited, targeted strike on military nuclear or missile facilities could be argued by some to fall outside the War Powers Act, seeking regime change — as Trump has called for, and as desirable as it may be — is war. And under the Constitution, war must be authorized by Congress. Escalation without a clear diplomatic strategy, without a defined endgame, and without congressional approval is reckless and risks American lives, regional instability, and the deaths of innocent civilians.

“At a time when families are struggling with housing costs, groceries, and health care, our priority should be strengthening America at home — not starting another war abroad. We should be pursuing diplomacy to prevent further escalation and loss of life. I will support efforts in Congress to reassert our constitutional authority and prevent further escalation, and I pray for the safety of our servicemembers and all innocent people in harm’s way.”

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei: 

“Ayatollah Khamenei commanded a regime of terror that killed countless innocents and tore families apart around the globe. The Israeli strikes eliminating the Ayatollah and much of his senior leadership brings this brutal reign of persecution to a definitive and necessary end. The people of Iran can now choose their own destiny.

“As co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress and our counterparts in the Middle East to promote regional stability, cooperation, and mutual defense against the persistent and growing Iranian threat. It has been incredible to see Israel and its Arab neighbors come together as a united force to counter Iranian attacks and support the next chapter of regional security, free from the Ayatollah’s terrorism. 

“I look forward to continuing the important, bipartisan work of cementing, strengthening, and expanding the Abraham Accords to achieve a lasting peace.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO — Following U.S. military strikes against Iran, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement:“I am closely monitoring the situation following President Trump’s announcement that U.S. forces have launched major combat operations against Iran.Iran’s regime is clearly a dangerous and destabilizing force, with a long history of supporting terrorism, threatening our allies, and pursuing nuclear weapons. While confronting these threats is necessary, military action of this magnitude carries serious risks. Our troops are in harm’s way, and there is a real possibility that this conflict could expand into a wider and prolonged war in the Middle East without the understanding or support of the American people.Congress has a constitutional responsibility under Article I to authorize the use of military force, and it is concerning that such authorization was not sought before this strike. The American people deserve transparency about the objectives of this operation, the legal authority under which it was undertaken, and the plan to protect U.S. service members and civilians in the region. If last year’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear program were a major success, it is reasonable to ask why this follow-up operation was deemed necessary.I am calling for an immediate classified briefing to better understand the administration’s strategy, ensure accountability, and demand that Congress be fully involved in overseeing this conflict. Our troops and their families deserve clarity, support, and assurance that every decision is made with their safety and our national interest in mind.We must remain firm in confronting terrorism and nuclear proliferation, but we must also be clear-eyed about the costs of war. The path forward must prioritize American security, regional stability, and a strategy that prevents another open-ended conflict in the Middle East.It is my hope that as these circumstances develop, a bipartisan consensus will emerge that strengthens U.S. resolve and provides clear direction to bring peace to that part of the world.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Trump’s illegal decision to start a war with Iran:

“The American people do not want another war in the Middle East. We are not even five years removed from the last one—which dragged on for 20 years. There are no experts in the intelligence community who believe the ousting of the Iranian regime will be an easy or quick action. Iran has already retaliated against Israel and other U.S. allies in the region, and the risk of the spread of violence is very real.

“Donald Trump has no plan for conducting this war, no clear demands for the regime, no goals, and no strategy for what comes next. He is not even pretending that this will be a narrow set of strikes. Instead, he has openly called this a war. Trump even bluntly stated that the deaths of American service members are the price of doing business.

“Let me be clear, Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. Just six months ago, this administration insisted that Iran’s nuclear program had been ‘completely and totally obliterated.’ We should have continued our diplomatic negotiations rather than sending US military members into a prolonged conflict without a clear strategy. 

“The Iranian regime is, unequivocally, violent, cruel, and repressive. Just recently, they brutally murdered thousands of their own people for daring to express opposition to the regime. The Iranian people have the right to determine their own future and to do so without the threat of death. This is not how we help Iranians achieve freedom.

“Speaker Mike Johnson must immediately call Congress back to DC to vote on a war powers resolution. The Constitution gives Congress the exclusive power to declare war. Donald Trump cannot continue his crusade without the express approval of Congress, which I have no intention of providing.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement on the strikes against Iran:

“The Trump administration’s strikes against Iran represent a reckless abuse of the president’s power, threatening to pull the United States into yet another open-ended Middle East war without clear justifications or a defined strategic end state. Congress was not consulted, nor was it given the opportunity to authorize the use of force. This is an unacceptable breach of its constitutional role. 

“The goals laid out by President Trump — ending Iran’s destabilizing nuclear weapons program, dismantling its missile arsenal, crushing its proxy network, and regime change — are not the objectives of a limited strike. They are the objectives of a prolonged war. Military force can degrade Iran’s capabilities, but without a defined end state and real diplomacy, these objectives invite escalation. We are already seeing retaliation against U.S. forces and our partners. When we place American service members in harm’s way, we owe them defined objectives and credible strategy. The United States does not have a good record of forcing regime change or diminishing Tehran’s malicious behavior long-term through military force.

“The administration owes Congress and the American people a direct accounting: what is the threat, what are the objectives, what is the exit strategy, and what will it cost? Instead, we are seeing evasion at a moment that demands transparency. Even the Bush administration provided far more transparency on its effort to go to war with Iraq, and that administration’s willingness to seek Congressional authorization now stands as a higher standard than this president has met.

“I call on Speaker Johnson to call Congress back to Washington to immediately vote on authorization of Trump’s war of choice. Republicans and Democrats alike owe that to the American people. The president has launched an unauthorized war, and Congress must now decide whether to sanction it.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s strikes on Iran: 

“First and foremost, our constitution is crystal-clear: the decision to take our nation to war rests with Congress. Our framers designed the constitutional framework to ensure consequential issues of war would be fully debated by lawmakers before American service members are engaged in conflict abroad.

“Iran’s violations of human rights are well documented, and I’ve long stated that Iran — the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism — cannot be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. But I also share the deep concerns of many Americans about direct U.S. involvement in foreign wars.

“Put simply, President Trump’s reckless decision to once again initiate military action without congressional authorization is clearly unconstitutional. Speaker Johnson must reconvene the Congress — immediately — for a vote on the War Powers Resolution.

“I am praying for the safety of our troops, personnel, and Americans across the region. If any Coloradans are currently in the Middle East and need assistance in evacuating, we encourage you to please contact our district or Washington D.C. offices, where we have dedicated staff available to assist.”

###