NC politicians react to US-Israel attacks on Iran
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As news of U.S. and Israel's strike on Iran broke, North Carolina leaders started weighing in. Some praised the move as necessary for national security, while others see it as reckless and unconstitutional. Here's how voices across the state are responding.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)
"The Iranian regime has spent decades as the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, systematically destabilizing the Middle East while calling for the death of America.
President Trump has rightfully determined that this theocratic dictatorship cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and continue to slaughter its own citizens who simply want freedom. I expect all members of Congress will soon be briefed about Operation Epic Fury and determine whether a broader scope and further military action requires an authorization by Congress."
Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.)
"Trump's attack on Iran is an unconstitutional escalation that risks dragging the United States into another catastrophic and endless war in the Middle East. This attack ignores the will of the American people and recklessly puts our servicemembers in harm's way, repeating the same costly mistakes of past regime-change wars that have destabilized entire regions and destroyed countless lives. I oppose this unlawful attack and demand that Congress reconvene immediately to pass the bipartisan War Powers Resolution to stop this administration and hold it accountable."
Durham Co. Commissioner Nida Allam (D-N.C.)
"This is a national emergency. We cannot let Trump drag our country through another forever war. Our children are watching, and they will suffer the consequences if we cannot stop this crisis!"
Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.)
"Today, President Donald J. Trump announced a major combat operation in Iran with the goal of further crippling Iran's nuclear program and to protect the U.S. and our allies. For decades, Iran and its terror proxies have repeatedly targeted American service-members and stoked violence and unrest in the region. President Trump knows well that the American people do not favor prolonged conflict, but there is also little doubt that Iran's reckless ambition to obtain nuclear weapons and long range missiles represents a grave threat to our safety and security. A nuclear Iran has always been an unacceptable outcome."
Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.)
"Trump's attack on Iran is unwarranted and unconstitutional. Iran is controlled by a despotic regime that must be held accountable, but Trump is dragging our country into a war that the American people don't want and that Congress didn't authorize. Trump claimed that Iran's nuclear program was completely "obliterated." He must immediately explain the rationale for these strikes and detail how his administration will avoid sending American troops into another costly and deadly military conflict in the Middle East. Most importantly, Congress must immediately vote on the War Powers Resolution."
