WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two congressmen representing Central Illinois have opposing views on President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel’s war against Iran.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) praised the bombings of Iranian nuclear sites, saying Iran can’t be permitted to have nuclear weapons. Meantime, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) claimed the Trump Administration kept Congress in the dark about the action, and he worries about possible retaliation against Americans around the world.
LaHood released the following statement:
“President Trump and the United States have been clear: under no circumstances can Iran be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
I thank our brave service members, Intelligence Community, and the Administration’s national security team for holding this red line to protect U.S. national security.”
25 News reports LaHood and Sorensen agree Iran can’t be allowed to have nuclear weapons, but Sorensen preferred diplomatic pressure rather than military action.
Sorensen said the following:
“This evening, President Trump circumvented Congress and attacked Iran. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I await classified briefings to determine the operation’s success.
We must make sure Iran never builds a nuclear weapon. However, this attack may incite an escalation against Americans around the world.
I am praying for the safety of our troops and urge the Trump Administration to be transparent and accountable.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) claims the Trump Administration “illegally” bombed Iran by not consulting Congress.
Duckworth released this statement:
“I ran for Congress so that when the drums of war started beating in Washington again, I’d be in a position to make sure that our leaders fully consider the true costs of war—not just in dollars and cents, but in the sacrifices and blood of our troops. The Trump Administration illegally bombed Iran tonight, putting American troops and citizens at risk of retaliation and threatening to draw us into yet another Middle East war without constitutionally-required congressional approval. I have long said Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. But this goal could and should have been pursued through diplomatic means first.
“In this dangerous moment, my top priority is—and the Trump Administration’s top priority should be—ensuring the safety and security of American troops, personnel, diplomats and citizens in the region, as well as those of our partners and allies. But the Trump Administration must immediately come before Congress not only to provide our troops with the confidence that their Commander in Chief is upholding the Constitution that they swore to support and defend, but also because it is my constitutional responsibility to make sure he’s not getting us into yet another quagmire in the Middle East.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was also critical of the President’s lack of communication with Congress.
“During his first term, President Trump killed the Iran nuclear deal, which required mandatory inspections, and invited this dangerous situation. Iran without inspectors appears to have been developing dangerous weapons grade materials.
“And now, President Trump’s actions in bombing Iran puts the U.S. on the brink of a wider war in the Middle East, all without Constitutionally-required Congressional approval. Our recent experiences in Iraq should be a stark reminder of becoming embroiled in wars in the Middle East.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, thought of as a possible candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, released a statement Saturday night. Instead of criticizing Trump’s action, Pritzker was focused on security in the face of possible reprisals.
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