January 04th, 2020

Senators react to U.S. strike that killed Soleimani

Comments issued Friday by Sen. Jeff Merkley:
  We are in a dangerous moment.
  Without authorization by Congress, the president ordered the assassination of a senior military leader of Iran on Iraqi territory. There is no question that General Soleimani has been involved in plotting lethal attacks on Americans. But there is plenty of uncertainty about whether this act strengthens or hurts American security.
  President Trump claims that his purpose was to deter future attacks on Americans. I fear that it may well have the opposite effect—triggering additional attacks, potentially destabilizing the government of Iraq, and driving escalation to the launch of another poorly calculated war in the Middle East.
  Our country should never just fall into a war. Our Constitution is clear: The power to go to war rests with Congress, not the president. We must insist that the Constitution be honored. 
  One reason I refused to support the president's military spending bill last month was that it dropped an amendment blocking the president from launching an unauthorized war with Iran. I had fought for this amendment—which had passed the House with bipartisan support—because restoring Congress's constitutional role is essential to our security. It must be the American people, through their representatives, who decide when our sons and daughters go to war. 
  Now, after breaking the nuclear deal and months of saber rattling, President Trump and the war hawks he has surrounded himself with have put America at the brink of war with Iran. 
  Iran is a dangerous foe, and we need a strong, thoughtful policy to meet the challenges it poses to American security. But American lives are too precious to let a reckless president with reckless plans start another war in the Middle East.

Comments issued Friday by Sen. Ron Wyden:
​  Nearly 20 years ago, countless members of the Bush administration lied to the American people, giving false justifications for going to war in Iraq. Today, many of the same people are at it again, this time with Iran, firing up the engines of war with flimsy claims. 
  For his part, Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his disregard for diplomacy and the safety of the American people.
  During his campaign for president, Trump promised to get America out of endless wars in the Middle East. But now, thousands of Americans abroad – civilian and military – are likely in greater danger, and this morning the Trump administration announced it is sending thousands more troops into the Middle East. 
  I voted against going to war in Iraq, and I will do everything I can to ensure that America is not dragged into another endless, destructive war. 
  I will be keeping a close eye on the situation, and will stand against any further military action that threatens Americans at home or abroad.