Washington, D.C.– Today, Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) with CPC Peace and Security Taskforce Chair Rep. Barbara Lee and Korean War veteran Rep. John Conyers, Jr. released the following statement regarding the danger of escalating threats between the United States and North Korea:
“President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric towards North Korea is dangerous and harmful. President Trump must de-escalate tensions and pursue a diplomatic solution immediately to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control."
“We know that there is no military solution in North Korea. Moreover, the power to declare war – or undertake any pre-emptive attack – lies with Congress. President Trump and his advisers must respect the constitutional authority of Congress to debate and vote on any war operations. We demand that President Trump deescalate his utterly reckless rhetoric and abstain from endangering the lives of U.S. troops and families, as well as millions of innocent people on the Korean Peninsula and across the region.”
“Diplomacy and direct talks must be the first tool in the U.S. government’s arsenal to resolve international conflicts, particularly in light of the unimaginable consequences of spiraling tensions between two nuclear powers. The United Nations Charter, which the U.S. has signed and ratified, demands that ‘All members…refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force,’ something that President Trump has continuously defied. President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and talks about ‘totally destroying’ a country of 25 million people does nothing more than feed into the frenzy and instability of North Korea’s dictator.”
“The latest claim from Pyongyang that President Trump has declared war on the country, leaving itself ‘all options’ to respond, is deeply disturbing and illustrates how quickly a war of words can escalate. An opportunity for a peaceful resolution is still achievable if the Trump Administration rapidly shifts course away from this volatile and irresponsible path.”
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The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.
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