The congressional delegation from Southern California has expressed strong reactions to the recent U.S. military strikes on nuclear and military sites in Iran.
Carried out late Saturday, these strikes marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirming that all three targeted sites were hit.
Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, voiced criticism over the unilateral decision made by President Donald Trump, emphasizing that such action should have required congressional approval.
“Dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program is imperative for America’s national security and essential to Israel’s safety and right to exist,” Padilla stated on Sunday.
He added, “However, it is unacceptable that the president disregarded his constitutional responsibility to seek and secure congressional authorization before launching these strikes.”
Senator Padilla urged President Trump to seek Congress’s approval before any further military action, warning that failure to do so risks igniting broader regional conflict. He stressed the importance of exhausting diplomatic channels in collaboration with allies to manage escalation in the region.
Senator Adam Schiff echoed these sentiments, extending gratitude for the safety of military personnel involved in the operation while emphasizing that the president lacked the authority to act without significant intelligence indicating an imminent nuclear threat from Iran.
“It’s not an operation that should have ever been authorized by the president in the absence of intelligence showing that Iran had made the decision to break out and build a bomb,” Schiff remarked.
Representative Nanette Barragán also criticized the president’s decision, stating in a post on X that Trump did not have the authority to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites without congressional approval and should have opted for diplomatic efforts instead of escalating tensions.
“Now we face serious risk of retaliation. This is not how we protect American lives or interests,” Barragán said.
Representative Judy Chu took a firm stance against the actions taken, declaring them unconstitutional.
“President Trump just illegally bombed Iran with no authorization from Congress. This is unacceptable and unconstitutional, and risks dragging the U.S. into another endless war,” Chu stated in her communication.
On the other side of the aisle, Representative Ken Calvert, a Republican from Palm Desert, praised the military operation, suggesting it demonstrated the effectiveness of U.S. military capabilities.
“The success of Operation Midnight Hammer is a testament to our military’s ability to project power around the world thanks to the professionalism and superb execution by our servicemembers,” Calvert said in his statement.
He further voiced his appreciation for military investments made by Congress, which he believes have equipped the U.S. with the necessary tools for critical missions while minimizing risks to American servicemembers.
Representative Gil Cisneros voiced a need for a diplomatic solution rather than an escalation of tensions.
“Our nation does not want another endless war,” Cisneros stated in his post.
Representative Jimmy Gomez, who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, reinforced the call for congressional involvement in military decisions citing Trump’s action as potentially leading the U.S. into war without proper authorization.
“Under our Constitution, the power to declare war rests with Congress. Period,” Gomez emphasized.
He expressed concerns over the ramifications of Trump’s unilateral decision and called it reckless, indicating that it would leave both Congress and the American public to manage the fallout.
Representative Robert Garcia joined his colleagues in criticizing the bypassing of Congress, calling the strike unconstitutional and warning of unauthorized conflict.
“The intelligence committees were not briefed, and that should concern all Americans. Preventing a nuclear Iran must involve strong diplomacy,” Garcia said.
Representative Dave Min provided commentary on the situation, although his specific responses were not detailed.
Representative Brad Sherman, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledged the military action’s impact on Iran’s nuclear potential but warned of the immediate dangers still posed by the nation’s uranium stockpile.
“The attack on Fordow and other sites nearly destroyed Iran’s ability to enrich uranium in the future,” Sherman commented.
However, he cautioned that Iran already had enough near-weapons-grade uranium for approximately nine bombs and that only coercive diplomacy could ultimately eliminate this immediate threat.
He raised vital questions on what Iran’s potential responses might be and how the consequences of the strike extend beyond immediate military concerns.
Additionally, Representative Derek Tran condemned the attack as a further violation of constitutional safeguards, emphasizing risks associated with a new conflict in the Middle East.
“President Trump’s unilateral attack on Iran, without Congressional approval, is yet another violation of the US Constitution. This reckless action shifts focus and resources away from the serious problems we face at home while placing American lives at risk,” Tran stated.
He highlighted the broader implications for national security, warning that such actions could exacerbate hostilities in already volatile regions.
Representative Maxine Waters characterized the bombings as a declaration of war, stressing the necessity of Congressional oversight in such grave matters.
“I believe Trump’s attack on Iran, hitting three reported nuclear targets, is tantamount to a declaration of war,” Waters remarked, calling for accountability from Congress.
She underscored the historical context of the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, reinforcing her belief that the current administration’s approach is escalating tensions rather than fostering peace.
Sydeny Kamlager-Dove, who serves as the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, similarly criticized Trump’s action, questioning the evidence presented to justify such strikes.
She pointed out that there was insufficient notification to Congress or clarity regarding the administration’s plans moving forward.
“The ‘President of peace’ just bombed Iran without Congressional authorization, without clear evidence that Iran is imminently close to having a nuclear weapon,” Kamlager-Dove remarked.
She articulated concerns over potential unintended consequences stemming from this military operation, urging for caution against entering a broader military conflict.
Finally, Representative Young Kim, the only Republican House member from Los Angeles or Orange counties, expressed support for the military strikes, framing them as a necessary measure to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The military’s targeted actions against Iranian nuclear sites are necessary to deter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and save lives,” Kim stated in her post, expressing gratitude toward the servicemembers involved.
Representative Norma Torres voiced her firm disapproval of the president’s actions, branding them as illegal and dangerous.
“Donald Trump illegally attacked a foreign country, putting American lives at risk — our troops, our families, our communities,” Torres said, emphasizing the president’s disregard for constitutional processes.
In another post, Representative Luz Rivas characterized the strike as erratic and unauthorized, expressing concerns for safety and the potential for prolonged military conflict.
“Tonight, I’m thinking of the safety of our troops, our nation, and the world. Donald Trump’s erratic action is unauthorized and unconstitutional,” Rivas concluded.
Representative Mark Takano added his voice to the growing chorus urging caution in light of recent military actions, highlighting the importance of legislative oversight in matters of war.
As reactions from Southern California’s congressional delegation indicate, the debate surrounding military engagement in Iran is fraught with divided opinions, highlighting deep concerns over constitutional authority, diplomatic solutions, and the implications of potential war.
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