Source: US Sen Coons, Sen Schumer Offices
Senator Coons statement on Iran strikes
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran:
“I am praying for the safety of our service members and the many civilians in the Middle East in harm’s way today. President Trump’s military campaign against Iran and call for regime change are the beginning of a reckless new war of choice with no clear strategy and no clear endpoint. This is not how a democracy goes to war. Less than five years after the end of the longest war in American history, the United States is once again staring down another open-ended conflict with a hostile country in the Middle East that could cost the lives of many American service members. This is not a limited, defensive strike, but rather a full-throated declaration of war that does not clearly serve the interests of or reflect the wishes of the American people.
“The Iranian regime is evil. It has supported and exported terrorism. It has the blood of many Americans on its hands from its attacks across the decades against American troops and interests, as well as the thousands of Iranians massacred while protesting the regime. However, President Trump and his administration have failed to make the case that it poses an imminent threat to the American people. The administration also failed to extract all they could through diplomacy with a regime that is as weak as it has ever been. This is an illegal war launched without meaningful consultation or the consent of Congress. At a time when we face significant threats from an aggressive China and Russia, choosing to launch a war with Iran brings significant risks, and Congress should rein in this dangerous president before he can do more harm to American service members and national interests.”
New York, N.Y. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released the following statement following President Trump’s strikes on Iran:
“When I talked to Secretary Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next. Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home.
“The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat. Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy.
“The administration must brief Congress, including an immediate all senators classified briefing and in public testimony, to answer these vital questions. The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act.
“My prayers are with our brave American servicemembers.”
