Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the statement below following U.S. airstrikes against targets in Iran:
“The hostilities in the Middle East will not be resolved quickly.
“This unilateral action by the United States was unlawful and unconstitutional. Both the law and the Constitution are clear: Only Congress has the power to declare war. The President did not appropriately consult Congress, let alone seek authorization for the attack.
“These strikes also risk entangling the United States in another costly war in the Middle East — something Donald Trump explicitly and repeatedly told the American people he would avoid.
“I continue to demand a briefing from the Administration on this volatile situation. President Trump owes the nation — especially the families of service members now in harm’s way — honest answers about this decision.
“At this moment of uncertainty, our top priority must be protecting American military and diplomatic personnel in the region. I join members of both parties in praying for their safety.”
On June 18th, Congresswoman Ross called on the Republican congressional leadership to schedule a briefing on the situation in the Middle East and urged the Administration to seek approval from Congress before initiating U.S. military action against Iran.