Congressional leaders are responding after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted sites in Iran early Saturday, offering statements both in support of the decision and opposing, commenting on the national security implications and the broader threat posed by Tehran.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.: "For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies.
"Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns.
"I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats. I thank Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week, and I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations.
"I commend the bravery of the servicemembers carrying out these operations and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way."
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.: "As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Intelligence, I have always been consistent that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons capabilities that would threaten the national security of the United States.
"Iran is the world’s largest sponsor of terror and has targeted, killed, and wounded U.S. service members and civilians throughout the Middle East over the past decades including soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division.
"Additionally, the sick Iran regime controlled by the blood-thirsty ayatollah terrorists have destroyed a nation, continued to pursue nuclear weapons threatening America and all of humanity, slaughtered innocent Iranians, and shed blood directly and through heinous terrorist proxies across the Middle East including of Americans.
"I know President Trump has to make some of the most difficult decisions imaginable and there is no decision more serious that military action to protect U.S. national security and American lives. God Bless our brave men and women in uniform. The American people are praying for your safety.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.: "Donald Trump promised to keep America out of costly and endless foreign wars. He is now doing the exact opposite in the Middle East. Congress must vote on a War Powers resolution immediately."
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.: "I am opposed to this War. This is not ‘America First.’ When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war.”
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.: "Iran has waged war against the United States, our Allies and our national security interests since 1979. Their attacks include the Beirut Marine Barracks and U.S. Embassy in 1983, the Khobar Towers in 1996, attempted assassination against our President, 609 Americans killed in Iraq and continued cyberattacks."
"I hate war, but Iran has been at war with us. After the regime just murdered approximately 50,000 Iranians, it is time to help the Iranian people get rid of the Ayatollah once and for all."
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.: "Please join me in holding our brave service members and their families in prayer, as well as the innocent people of Iran and every other person involved right now. The price of peace is a heavy burden."
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla.: "I am formally requesting the @StateDept and the @DeptofWar to fully brief Congress on the rapidly evolving situation in Iran. This is a serious moment that demands full transparency and congressional oversight.”
Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas: "For 40 years, Iran’s regime has chanted ‘Death to America,’ funded terrorists, attacked our troops, and plotted against our allies. That ends now. President Trump chose strength."
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla.: "While some of my colleagues engage in pathetic ‘whataboutism’, I unapologetically stand with the brave people of #Iran who for far too long have suffered under a brutal Islamic dictatorship. God bless a FREE IRAN! God bless our men & women in uniform. God bless the USA!"
Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark.: "'Operation ‘Epic Fury' was launched against the nation of Iran last night. Prior to the initiation of this action, in earnest diplomatic engagements with Iran, President Trump was very clear about his red line from the start and his expectations of Iran during these negotiations."
"Iran absolutely cannot be allowed to maintain a nuclear weapon or capabilities. The safety and security of Americans and our allies are on the line. Furthermore, President Trump has given Iran plenty of opportunities to take the diplomatic route.'
"The United States of America has the most premier military in the world, and I am confident it will successfully carry out the very clearly stated goals of this operation. As the operations continue, we pray for the safety of the U.S. military forces involved, Americans in the region, and our allies. I would strongly advise the Iranian regime heed President Trump’s warning."
Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash.: "The Mullahs who control Iran are a messianic death cult who believe that their version of Shia Islam will be guided by God to conquer the world. They have supported terrorist groups that have killed thousands of Americans. Their nuclear and ballistic missile programs are significant threats to America’s national interests and security. The sooner Iran’s leaders are in the dustbin of history the better."
Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga.: "President Trump acted squarely within his constitutional authority to strike Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, responsible for the oppression and murder of thousands of its own people."
"Iran was given every opportunity to choose diplomacy, with President Trump leaving the door to peace wide open. Instead, Iran would rather spread its poisonous, incompatible ideology rooted in extreme hatred."
"Any country that chants 'death to America' will never obtain nuclear weapons, certainly not on President Trump’s watch. America, our allies, and the world are safer because of this President. May God bless and protect the United States military."
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