Rep. Garamendi Statement on Trump’s Illegal Strikes on Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration's illegal military strikes against Iran:
“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.”
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