In the wake of President Donald Trump’s air strikes on Iran, congressional figures from Washington are voicing their reactions and concerns over the military action. On Friday, June 21, President Trump addressed the nation to confirm that U.S. forces had conducted three air strikes targeting nuclear sites in Iran. This decision follows a two-week period during which Israel carried out its own air strikes, citing advancements in Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, earlier in the year, dismissed claims that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. However, Trump now asserts that Iran is nearing the completion of such a weapon.
In response to the air strikes, Washington’s senior senator, Patty Murray, expressed her strong objections while addressing the constitutional implications of the president’s decision. Murray stated, “We can all agree that Iran should never possess a nuclear weapon. But the American people do not want to begin a war with Iran, and Trump does not have the unilateral authority to start one.”
Murray further emphasized the necessity for Congress to engage in meaningful dialogue with the administration. She called for transparency regarding the intelligence that led to the authorization of the strikes. Her statement continued, “Congress has not been presented any evidence that required these strikes tonight. I will continue to demand answers and to speak up on behalf of my constituents, the overwhelming majority of whom do not want to be dragged into yet another forever war.”
Reflecting a different perspective, Republican Congressman Michael Baumgartner, who represents Washington’s 5th congressional district, offered his support for the military action taken by President Trump. He stated, “There is no greater threat to the world than nuclear proliferation, let alone from a regime that has consistently used radical Islamic terrorists to attack and kill Americans for nearly 4 decades. I fully support President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran’s nuke reactor. Trump gave Iran a choice. The Ayatollah chose poorly.”
Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, in a series of posts on social media, highlighted the potential consequences of the strikes, particularly for the Iranian-American community in Seattle. She urged for a shift towards peace and diplomacy over continued military escalation, asserting, “The authority to declare war belongs solely to Congress. Trump’s unconstitutional and escalatory strikes risk drawing US troops and the American people—who are overwhelmingly opposed—into another forever war. Congress must immediately exercise our duty to restrain this President.”
Similarly, Democratic Congresswoman Suzan DelBene condemned the action in her statement, labeling it unconstitutional. She noted, “Under the Constitution, Congress has the explicit power to declare war and authorize military force. These actions risk drawing the U.S. and our service members into another war in the Middle East, without explanation. I join my colleagues in demanding immediate answers from the Administration.”
Democratic Representative Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued a firm condemnation of President Trump’s decision. He stated, “I condemn in the strongest terms the President’s decision to order the U.S. military to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. The President did not seek authorization from Congress or demonstrate that Iran posed an immediate threat to the security of the United States. Furthermore, the President failed to provide clear objectives for these actions and there are no guarantees that it will eliminate the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon or how long it might set their program back.”
Republican Representative Dan Newhouse took a different stance, expressing support for the airstrikes and solidarity with Israel. He stated, “The decisive actions taken by the United States come as Iran refused to end development of their nuclear program, and I stand with our ally Israel as we work together to end this dangerous regime’s efforts towards a nuclear weapon of mass destruction. Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
The backdrop to these events includes President Trump halting plans to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This decision came amid ongoing tension following recent strikes between Iran and Israel, with an escalation that saw Israel bombing Tehran nearly two weeks prior. Earlier in April 2024, Iran launched attacks against Israel, which in turn caused a significant spike in oil prices, heightening global anxiety.
As tensions continue to rise, the mixed responses from Washington lawmakers reflect the deep divisions within Congress regarding military intervention and the approach to foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. The calls for accountability and clarity from congressional representatives illustrate their commitment to ensuring that military actions align with constitutional responsibilities and the will of the American public.
The source of information in this report includes statements from U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, and various social media accounts from named elected officials in Washington.
image source from：fox13seattle
