On Saturday, Bay Area members of Congress issued statements in response to President Donald Trump’s military action against Iran.
Here are the statements:
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
“I strongly condemn President Trump’s unlawful military action against Iran. Americans do not want to see us plunged into another endless foreign war and the President does not have the authority to do so. I will unequivocally be voting YES on the bipartisan war powers resolution next week and implore Republicans Leadership to stand up and speak up. This must be stopped immediately and this President’s madness and recklessness must be confronted now.”
Congressman John Garamendi
“Once again, in direct violation of the United States Constitution, President Donald Trump has ordered attacks against Iran without congressional authorization. This marks the second instance this year in which the President has undertaken military action without the approval of Congress, an action that should concern all Americans.
For decades the Iranian regime has violated human rights, created chaos in the Middle East, and supported terrorism around the world. But the decision to attack another nation without clearly articulating the legal justification, strategic objectives, and anticipated consequences to Congress and the American people runs counter to the constitutional framework established by our Founders. As with the removal of Maduro, these strikes raise serious and fundamental questions: What is the strategy to promote stability and democratic governance in Iran? How can such objectives be achieved without the deployment of American ground forces or significant escalation? Most importantly, what is the President’s plan?
I am deeply concerned that there is no strategy and that this action risks drawing the United States into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East, exactly at odds with the wishes of the American people and the promises made by the President. Trump has once again risked pulling the United States into a Middle East war and put thousands of servicemembers at risk. While we all hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Iranian people, there is a substantial risk that further escalation could destabilize the region and lead to broader conflict.
This is a critical and dangerous moment. The preservation of our constitutional system and our nation’s credibility abroad will be defined by what we do in this moment. It is time for Congress to act.”
Congresswoman Latefa Simon
The attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran absent Congressional approval demonstrate once again President Trump’s callous disregard for the rule of law.
The Iranian people who have been bravely and peacefully protesting for freedom have suffered a devastating and deadly crackdown by the Iranian government. According to human rights groups, tens of thousands of Iranians have been arrested and subject to torture and mistreatment — while hundreds more have been massacred. Military intervention will do nothing to bring them closer to the freedom they seek and deserve.
I will be voting YES on the bipartisan War Powers Resolution next week to direct the President to immediately cease all hostilities in Iran.
Congressman Eric Swalwell
Donald Trump swore, “no more wars.” But after invading Venezuela and now striking Iran, we can count this as yet another broken campaign promise. And just like his pledge to lower prices, he broke them both.
The people of Iran deserve freedom. But a free Iran cannot be an American export. It has to be built by their hands on their soil.
No one voted for this action. No one.
Mr. President, if you cannot keep your promise of peace, you should at least return the Noble Prize you stole”
Congressman Mike Thompson
In the dead of the night, President Trump started an unauthorized, unconstitutional war with Iran. As a combat veteran, I know the terrible realities of war and I am deeply opposed to any unprovoked strike carried out without Congressional authorization – authorization that is explicitly required by our constitution.
America is going into this war alone with Israel and the president is putting U.S. troops and the entire region at risk. Not to mention the President told our nation that he destroyed Iran’s nuclear program completely last year, and is now citing the need to destroy Iran’s nuclear program as an excuse for his latest strikes. Either he was lying then, or he is lying now. We won’t go to war in the Middle East over lies once again.
I demand that Speaker re-convene the House and hold a vote to put every single member on record and to pass a War Powers resolution to stop this war. It’s unacceptable that members are home in their districts when we should be on the House Floor taking action now.
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