“Typically non-state actors or state proxies are the instigators and aggressors in global conflict,” U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said in his own statement. “However, Iran as an independent state has directly coordinated attacks against the United States and its allies, including an attack against our drone, embassy, and the refineries in Saudi Arabia. The United States had to respond to make it clear to Iran that continued escalation will not stand without consequence.”
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Turner is a subcommittee chairman on the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
“Monitoring closely the situation in #Iraq,” Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, tweeted Friday (@senrobportman). “Soleimani has been responsible for the deaths of many Americans over the years & directed the recent attacks on U.S. personnel in the region. Iranian aggression must not go unchecked. I look forward to a full briefing by the administration.”
In a statement, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said: “Our highest priority now must be to keep Americans and U.S. service members out of harm’s way, and prevent further escalation. With increased tensions in the region, and the likelihood that Iran will respond in some way to this strike, the administration must immediately brief Congress on last night’s strike, its apparent lack of coordination with Iraq’s government and any plans it has made to keep Americans safe.”
Added Brown: “We can’t let this administration’s chaotic foreign policy lead to another war in the Middle East. The U.S. must do all it can with our allies to de-escalate the situation.”
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