Rep. Wild Statement on U.S. Strike on Iranian Quds Force Leader Soleimani

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after a U.S. strike on Iranian military leader, Major General Qassem Soleimani:

"Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of US forces and thousands of civilians and I will waste no time mourning his death. At the same time, the airstrike that took his life was ordered without the consultation of members of Congress and marks a major escalation that brings our country closer to catastrophic military confrontation with Iran.

"Representatives on both sides of the aisle have made it clear that the 2001 Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) does not allow for military action against Iran. Ordering this operation without congressional authorization and as a response to rapidly rising tensions in the region is a reckless act with the potential to seriously endanger our national security and interests.

"Nearly two decades of war in the Middle East have shown us the untold consequences of entering open-ended military conflicts with no plan or strategy for success. In the coming days, the Administration must demonstrate that it has a strategy to defuse the growing threat of direct conflict with Iran, contain regional turmoil, and secure our people and our interests.

"Over the holidays, I spent time in the Middle East, visiting and giving thanks to the men and women of our military who patrol fragile areas of the world essential to our national security. My thoughts are with the father I met stationed at Al Udeid AFB in Qatar, the daughter in Kuwait, and the families throughout the United States who woke up this morning unsettled by the news.

"My priority is, above all else, to ensure the safety of our men and women in uniform, as well as our diplomats and all those who protect and represent our country across the globe. We must strive to live up to the example of those who are willing to put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and our values by being as responsible in our service as they are dedicated and selfless in theirs."

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