WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement after President Trump’s decision to take significant military action against the Iranian regime without Congressional approval:
“I join all Americans in praying for the U.S. service members who are in harm’s way today, a day on which President Trump recklessly and unilaterally decided to enter our country into another foreign war.
“The Iranian regime is one of the world’s largest state sponsors of terrorism, and it poses a threat to its own people, the security of our country, and the security of our allies around the world. But confronting this threat, and keeping our service members safe in the process, requires the support of the American people through coordination with Congress, which has the sole power to declare war under our system of government.
“Today’s strikes against Iran were launched by the President without any pretense of seeking — much less obtaining — the consent of the American people through their representatives in Congress. His failure to follow the Constitution in this regard increases uncertainty, creates disunity at home and abroad, and ultimately weakens us. Now, our country is engaged in a war of unknown length, with potentially enormous and far-reaching consequences. President Trump’s action will likely destabilize the region, may well undermine America’s security, and puts the lives of our troops at great risk.
“While the situation is evolving quickly, based on the limited information that the Administration has provided, I have deep concerns about President Trump’s decision to go to war.
“Our country should only go to war as a last resort, when all other options to protect our security and freedom have been exhausted. And to sustain and win a war requires an informed and unified public at home as well as strong and healthy international alliances. Rather than ensure that both of these fundamental conditions are met, President Trump has recklessly rushed to war.”
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