New Democrat Coalition National Security Task Force Statement on Iran
Today, co-chairs of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Task Force, Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Anthony Brown (MD-04), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s recent actions toward Iran, ahead of a Tuesday congressional briefing on the topic by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph Dunford and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan:
“We are deeply concerned by the Trump Administration's continued lack of a coherent strategy towards Iran. The recent provocative rhetoric used by both administration officials and the President is worrisome, as it demonstrates a willingness to antagonize an adversary nation with no apparent concern for the national security ramifications of such impulsive actions.
“Iran is a serious threat, both to the United States and to our allies in the region, and we must be a global leader in the effort to counter Tehran’s dangerous behavior. To do so, it is critical that our actions be driven by strategy and the pursuit of defined national security priorities—such as countering Iran’s regional influence efforts and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“Acting impulsively without a coherent and defined strategy and aggressively posturing against an adversary nation does not keep us safe. As Members of Congress, we affirm that only Congress has the constitutional authority to authorize the use of military force, and as such, we find it deeply concerning that the Administration is making military preparations and deployments, before engaging with Congress regarding its intentions, strategy, and plans.”
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