Schakowsky Statement on the Situation In Israel and Iran
EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), co-founder of the No War with Iran Caucus, issued the following statement regarding the escalation of conflict in the Middle East:
“The American people overwhelmingly do not want another war in the Middle East. Israel’s attack on Iran, Iran’s counterattacks against Israel, and this Administration’s continued diplomatic failures increase the risk of a broader regional war, putting thousands of U.S. troops, personnel, and civilians at risk.
“When asked if the United States will join Israel's bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites, just yesterday, President Donald Trump said, ‘I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.’ This statement from our Commander-in-chief is not just alarming, it is reckless. Congress must stand united and reassert its Constitutional authority on matters of war. That is why I am cosponsoring a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to maintain that any U.S. military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress.
“I have always recognized the threat posed by Iran’s hardline regime to Israel, the United States and our allies. Iran should never be permitted to have a nuclear weapon. I strongly supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and I helped lead the effort to ensure that it was implemented. This successful diplomatic agreement cut off every pathway to an Iranian nuclear weapon until Trump withdrew from it in 2018. Let me be clear, we would not be in this situation today were it not for Trump unilaterally breaking this agreement in his first term.
“The U.S., alongside our allies, must do everything in our power to find an immediate diplomatic path to stop the fighting, prevent a larger war, and ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. And this Administration must prioritize the safety of our troops, diplomatic personnel, and U.S. citizens in Israel and the region. Diplomacy, not military action, remains the answer.”
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