Press Releases

“For nearly five decades, the intentions of the Iranian regime have been clear. Since seizing power in 1979, its leaders have openly declared ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel,’ funded terrorist operations across the globe, attacked and killed hundreds of our service members, destabilized the Middle East, and worked relentlessly to expand their influence through violence and intimidation.”

“Throughout my career in the United States Navy, and now as a Member of Congress, I have witnessed firsthand the evil of Iran’s regime and its role in destabilizing the Middle East, with the ultimate aim of destroying Western Civilization either directly or through its jihadist proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.”

“From its inception, the Iranian regime has systematically executed terror attacks to the fullest extent of its capabilities. As their military capabilities have increased, so have the scope and scale of their attacks. We have every reason to take them at their word that, if given the opportunity, they would wipe Israel off the map and then come for America. That is why the United States has always been clear that Iran can NEVER be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”

“Every American president since Ronald Reagan has made this point clear. Yet Iran has shown steadfast determination to advance its nuclear ambitions, despite the exhaustive diplomatic efforts of eight presidents. As President Trump stated so clearly in his message to the American people, ‘we can’t take it any longer.’ Nor should we.”

“Our military is the most capable, disciplined, and lethal fighting force in the world. The professionalism, strength, and resolve of our service members are unmatched, and I have full confidence in their ability to execute any mission required to defend our nation. While there is certainly high risk in the operations we have witnessed today, the failure to act decisively when we have the chance is even more dangerous in the long run.”

“It is important to underscore that our fight is not with the citizens of Iran. They have endured 47 years of oppression under a radical regime that denies them freedom, economic opportunity, and basic human rights. There can be no lasting peace in the region while the current regime remains in power, but we stand ready to support a future in which the Iranian people can live free from tyranny under leadership of their choosing.”

“Peace through strength rings hollow without the resolve to use that strength when diplomacy fails. The enormous weight of President Trump’s decision to exercise that resolve cannot be overstated. May God grant him sound wisdom and judgment, safety for our fighting men and women, peace in our time, and His continued blessings for our great nation.”

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