California members of Congress react to fatal attack on Iran general

January 03, 2020

Members of California’s congressional delegation react to President Trump’s authorization of the drone attack that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad Thursday:

Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo: I fear that last night’s strike constitutes the Trump Administration’s biggest and most consequential foreign policy blunder to date. These killings will not be judged by their deserving targets, but by President Trump’s overall strategy in the region, or lack thereof, and the ability to prevent further escalation and protect U.S. personnel, assets, and our allies in the days and weeks ahead.

Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin: The U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad is a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region, and a departure from our longstanding foreign policy practices, undertaken without any congressional notice or approval. No American family will mourn Suleimani’s loss, but every family should be concerned this killing brings America closer to a war we must avoid.

Adam Schiff, D-Burbank: If the Administration had some broad strategic objective in mind or was acting in concert with our allies and making progress towards modifying Iran’s belligerent behavior, Americans could have confidence that this latest U.S. strike would make us safer. But if there is some broad strategy at work, the Administration has yet to articulate it.

Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale (Butte County): I hope this is a lesson for Iran, don’t attack embassies and don’t attack Americans. America will not be pushed around and threatened. For too long Presidents have pretended that Hezbollah, Quds militias and other terrorist groups were not acting as a proxy for Iran. President Trump is holding Iran responsible for the actions of its agents and removed military targets who attacked Americans.”

Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael: President Trump’s unprecedented order to assassinate Iran’s top military leader last night - an action taken without consulting or getting authorization from Congress - is escalating tensions in a highly volatile region. This is just the latest of Trump’s reckless actions on the world stage that reflect his disdain for diplomacy, disrespect for our allies, and lack of a coherent foreign policy vision.

Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose: When responding to an attack or an imminent threat, the President may act, but must consult with bipartisan Congressional leaders. Shockingly, President Trump consulted only with Republican Congressional leaders, an ominous departure that has chilling implications for our democracy.

Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord: Last night’s deadly military strike against Iran’s top general was alarming and represents a massive escalation against Iran that Congress was not consulted on.

TJ Cox, D-Fresno: I will fight for efforts that keep us safe, but the administration needs to provide clear objectives and a way to get out of these conflicts. We didn’t have those assurances the last time we were drawn into an unending war and we haven’t seen them this time, either.

Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley: We are better off without Soleimani walking the Earth and devising violent attacks in Middle East. However, this targeted killing, without Congressional authorization or a cohesive Iran strategy, will lead to an escalated conflict that could make us and our allies less safe.


Source: San Francisco Chronicle