Casten Statement on Airstrike in Iraq Against High-Level Iranian Military Officials
Glen Ellyn, IL – U.S. Representative Sean Casten issued the following statement after the Trump Administration conducted an airstrike at Baghdad International Airport targeting senior Iranian officials, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Qassim Soleimani:
"Protecting Americans at home and abroad is of the utmost importance. Soleimani was an enemy to America, but reckless action without a meaningful plan to navigate this dangerous and complicated threat will only lead to increased targeting of Americans abroad, including our troops.
"Strong national security requires an Administration ready to act with a comprehensive plan, but President Trump's decision to launch a strike against Soleimani was conducted without Congressional approval and without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). On top of this, President Trump has spent his entire Presidency thinning our diplomats at the State Department, undermining military leaders, and denigrating intelligence agencies.
"This alarming escalation has already brought a promise of retaliatory action from Iran. It is imperative that administration officials immediately brief Congress on the situation, and their plan to protect American citizens and interests abroad."
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