Washington, D.C. — Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the Iranian attack on U.S. military bases in Iraq:
“The horrific escalation towards war with Iran was devastatingly predictable, brought on by Trump’s reckless military brinksmanship in assassinating General Soleimani and, before that, destroying decades of diplomacy by pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal and asserting a ‘maximum pressure’ strategy. Last night’s attacks by Iran were a warning shot, showing clearly that President Trump’s actions have made the United States and the world far less safe than it was one week ago. While we do not yet know the full toll of last night’s attacks, there’s no question this escalation has put our troops and Iraqis in danger –a traumatic and completely avoidable result of the President’s reckless actions.
“Now, it is even more urgent than ever that Congress act to immediately pull us back from the brink of catastrophe and prevent a completely avoidable war with Iran. To protect American lives and global stability, Congress must reassert our Constitutional authority by passing a strong War Powers Resolution to ensure Congressional authorization for any military action; repealing the 2002 Authorization of Use of Military Force; and ensuring that Congress provides no funds for war with Iran without authorization.
“We must not continue down this destructive military path — we must choose de-escalation and diplomacy. Let’s be clear: If we close the door on diplomacy, that decision will haunt our nation for generations. Further retaliation will not lead to peace — it will only entangle us in a crisis with no military solution and endanger countless lives.
“The American people don’t want another war without end. Congress must act swiftly to end this cycle of violence and pursue peace before it’s too late.”
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