Whereas decrying the Iranian regime, Southern California Democrats have been additionally fast to sentence the U.S. involvement within the main assault on Iran in a single day, arguing congressional approval is required to interact in what might be a prolonged and dear conflict within the Center East.
“This determination to strike Iran with out congressional approval stands in stark distinction to a president who promised to place Individuals first and finish international wars,” U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla mentioned Saturday, Feb. 28.
“The Iranian regime has oppressed its personal folks, and its state-sponsored terrorism and nuclear ambitions pose important dangers to the security of Individuals and regional stability,” Padilla mentioned. “We should work with our allies to counter these threats. No matter what the president might imagine or say, he doesn’t get pleasure from a clean examine to launch large-scale navy operations and not using a clear technique, with none transparency or public debate and never with out congressional approval.”
Associated: US and Israel launch a serious assault on Iran. Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over’
Together with Israel, the U.S. launched a serious assault on Iran on Saturday, with among the preliminary strikes showing to hit areas across the places of work of Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though it was not instantly clear if he was within the space on the time. Smoke might be seen rising from the capital as a part of strikes that Iranian media mentioned occurred nationwide.
President Donald Trump, in a video message posted to social media, mentioned the navy started “main fight operations” to “defend the American folks by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very exhausting, horrible folks.”
“It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to place up with it any longer,” mentioned Trump.
Republican congressional representatives praised Trump within the aftermath of the assault.
Rep. Younger Kim, R-Anaheim Hills, mentioned the president “took decisive motion in response to refusal by the Iranian regime to take diplomatic off-ramps, dismantle its nuclear program and finish its reign of terror in opposition to the USA and our allies.”
Notably, Kim additionally mentioned Congress needs to be briefed on what’s been dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”
“I hope for a swift and decisive operation that can pave the best way for a extra peaceable Center East and a safer world,” she mentioned. “My prayers are with our courageous U.S. servicemembers risking their lives to guard our nation.”
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, mentioned he was notified after the assault started since he chairs the Protection Appropriations Committee.
“I sit up for continued briefings from our navy and civilian nationwide safety leaders,” Calvert mentioned. “We’ll stand along with Israel and our allies within the area as they face retaliation by Iran, and assist them form a extra peaceable future for the Center East.”
Calvert famous former presidents, each Republicans and Democrats, have tried, with out success, to get the Iranian regime “to divert from its violent path.”
“President Trump’s determination to launch Operation Epic Fury will shield America and our allies by eliminating the Iranian regime’s potential to wage terror and threaten its enemies,” Calvert mentioned. “It can additionally present the Iranian folks with a historic alternative to form their very own future free from oppression.”
Democrats struck a extra vital tone.
“Over the previous few months, my coronary heart has ached for the Iranian folks,” mentioned Rep. Dave Min, D-Irvine. “For many years, they’ve suffered underneath this evil regime, however in current weeks, the Islamic Republic has brutally attacked, tortured, raped and killed tens of 1000’s of peaceable Iranians. Lots of my constituents haven’t been in a position to keep in touch with their household and mates in Iran.
“Nevertheless, as a member of Congress and an American citizen, I can’t stand by quietly whereas President Trump drags us right into a pricey and unlawful conflict with out even consulting with Congress, not to mention receiving a declaration of conflict or authorization to make use of navy power.”
Trump, Min mentioned, ought to “instantly current his case for placing our servicemembers in hurt’s method to Congress and the American folks.”
That was an analogous sentiment echoed by Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, who additionally castigated the Iranian regime however nonetheless mentioned Trump wanted congressional approval earlier than endeavor such an assault.
“By launching this operation on his personal, the president has put Congress and the nation within the worst potential place,” Gomez mentioned. “He began a conflict first, and now Congress is being requested to take care of the implications as a substitute of deciding whether or not the conflict ought to start in any respect.”
“As soon as troops are in hurt’s manner, the strain to escalate grows. That’s how conflicts increase, prices rise and American lives are put in danger and not using a clear plan to finish them,” Gomez added.
Ought to Congress be introduced into the choice, Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, D-Los Angeles, mentioned there can be bipartisan assist for a complete plan that helps the Iranian folks whereas additionally stopping the nation from acquiring a nuclear weapon. That simply hasn’t occurred, she mentioned.
However Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, mentioned he would oppose a vote that results in a sustained conflict in Iran.
“I’ve no larger accountability as an elected consultant than deciding whether or not to ship service members into hurt’s manner,” Levin mentioned. “I imagine that we are able to assist Iranians’ battle for democracy with out initiating a regional conflict.”
Discover extra reactions from lawmakers round Southern California under.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democrat: “The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime mustn’t ever have nuclear weapons. The management of Iran should go. However that doesn’t justify the president of the USA partaking in an unlawful, harmful conflict that can threat the lives of our American service members and our mates with out justification to the American folks. President Trump is placing Individuals in danger overseas as a result of he’s unpopular at dwelling.”
Sen. Adam Schiff, Democrat: “There isn’t any doubt that the Iranian regime is liable for killing 1000’s of its personal residents and sponsoring acts of terrorism in opposition to its neighbors and the USA. The American folks stand in solidarity with the Iranian folks protesting their very own murderous and authoritarian authorities. Nevertheless, President Trump had no authority underneath the Structure to provoke this conflict of selection, place the lives of U.S. servicemembers in hurt’s manner and threat a broader battle with out making the case to the American folks and looking for congressional approval.”
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Redlands: “Iran is a terrorist state, a destabilizing power within the Center East and continues to violate the human rights of Iranians. Nevertheless, the Trump administration should instantly temporary all members about this navy motion and clarify why they’re sending American troops and taxpayer {dollars} to a different conflict within the Center East. Home Democrats will power a vote on the Struggle Powers decision provided by Reps. Khanna and Massie to limit navy motion in Iran with out congressional approval. I’ll vote for the Struggle Powers decision within the Home and can proceed praying for our servicemembers who’re in hurt’s manner.”
Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-San Pedro: “Immediately is a tragic and harmful day for the women and men of our navy and their households, because the president begins one other potential conflict within the Center East with Iran. Given the severity of the president’s actions, which I imagine ignores and tramples on the Structure, the Speaker ought to instantly name on Congress to return to Washington to debate and vote on the matter.”
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park: “President Trump has launched an illegal conflict with Iran regardless of no imminent risk to the USA, no long-term technique, no assist from the American public and no authorization from Congress. The Home of Representatives should instantly take a vote on … a Struggle Powers decision that I cosponsor to halt all navy operations in Iran with out congressional authorization. The Iranian regime is brutal, repressive and has denied Iranians freedom and dignity for generations. These information alone don’t give President Trump the authority to unilaterally launch a serious, pre-emptive navy operation which places so many lives in danger. Individuals have already seen this playbook fail in Iraq and Afghanistan, at monumental price.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Lengthy Seashore: “The American folks deserve decrease costs and inexpensive healthcare, not one other conflict within the Center East. We will assist the folks of Iran and their self-determination with out this harmful motion that’s already costing harmless lives. Finish this conflict. We’d like a Struggle Powers Vote now.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Bonsall: “Might God bless and shield our courageous service members as they perform their duties and their mission.”
Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Indio: “As soon as once more, Donald Trump has lied to the American folks, damaged the legislation, and risked American lives for a private vendetta. He repeatedly promised no new wars and criticized previous presidents for beginning wars with out congressional approval, however right here he’s, doing precisely that. We had a world settlement that prevented Iran from having nuclear weapons, however Trump tore it up. He’s the one purpose Iran is ready to pursue nuclear weapons. Congress should act instantly to cease Trump from risking American lives.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Whittier: “Simply eight months after attacking nuclear websites in Iran and declaring its nuclear program ‘utterly and completely obliterated,’ President Trump has dangerously escalated the state of affairs. He has once more violated the Structure by launching further airstrikes focusing on main cities in Iran with out congressional approval, additional risking one other endlessly conflict within the Center East and not using a clear technique or credible proof of an imminent risk. Congress should reject this course. I urge Republicans to affix Democrats in defending the Structure and defending our troops from this reckless president.”
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside: “President Trump has launched a serious navy operation within the Center East and not using a clear goal and with out making the case to Congress or the American folks. This reckless motion places American troops in danger and edges us towards a wider regional conflict. Congress should instantly reconvene and move an Iran Struggle Powers Decision to cease this earlier than it spirals additional.”
Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona: “Selections that place American servicemembers in hurt’s manner require readability of objective, outlined goals and a technique that prioritizes long-term stability and safety. The Structure entrusts Congress with the authority to declare conflict, making certain that issues of armed battle are topic to cautious deliberations and democratic accountability. When the Home considers a Struggle Powers decision to reaffirm Congress’ position, I intend to assist that effort. It’s important that we proceed thoughtfully, uphold our constitutional framework and keep away from actions that might result in unintended penalties.”
Rep. Derek Tran, D-Orange: “Iran is a terrorist nation-state and is a risk to democracies worldwide. It’s ruled by a brutal regime that oppresses its folks and is an enemy to the USA. Nevertheless, the very fact stays that America isn’t keen to entangle ourselves in one other endlessly conflict. This administration’s failure to hunt diplomatic decision, mixed with its failure to hunt Congressional buy-in, is a recipe for disaster. As an alternative of a technique to forestall Iran’s nuclear proliferation, we’re seeing a reckless coverage of regime change that threatens to ignite a full-scale conflict. Congress isn’t a bystander in issues of conflict and peace; we’re a coequal department of presidency with the only constitutional authority to declare conflict.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
