President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran, escalating military actions initiated by Israel on June 13.
Both U.S. Senators from Pennsylvania expressed their support for Trump’s decision, emphasizing their concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman stated that the strikes were a necessary measure.
Fetterman remarked on X, ‘Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities. I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world.’
Republican Senator Dave McCormick also praised the military action, suggesting that such a move was unavoidable.
On X, McCormick wrote, ‘This targeted attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is the result of the Iranian regime’s failure to make a deal despite months of President Trump’s good faith efforts to negotiate.’
The actions taken by the Trump administration also received commendations from U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Bucks County.
Fitzpatrick expressed his views on X, stating, ‘A nuclear Iran is an existential threat. Peace through strength is how we lead. And tonight, the greatest military on Earth delivered — for America, for our allies, and for the cause of global security.’
Conversely, opposition to the military strikes arose from some Democratic officials within Pennsylvania.
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, representing Allegheny County, was one of the first local Democrats to denounce the attacks.
Lee declared on X that Trump’s actions were ‘acting fully outside of his authority.’
She described the situation as ‘an illegal and terrifying escalation,’ warning that such bombings could bring the nation closer to war and endanger millions of lives.
Lee called for Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to curtail Trump’s actions.
In alignment with this sentiment, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan from Chester County criticized Trump’s military intervention as unconstitutional.
Houlahan, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, expressed her concern over the safety of service members and demanded a comprehensive briefing on the matter.
She stated, ‘The Trump administration must brief Congress immediately and fully on this action and the Americans currently in the region who are at risk.’
Similarly, U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Delaware County highlighted the unacceptability of the military strikes.
Scanlon argued that the decision to wage war is a responsibility that rests with Congress and noted the absence of evidence indicating any imminent threat to the U.S.
She called for an immediate briefing from Congress and emphasized the need for deliberation and a vote on the matter.
On Saturday, a protest took place in Philadelphia, with attendees urging against further U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Protesters demanded that Congress enact legislation to restrict Trump’s power to initiate military action without prior congressional approval.
State Senator Nikil Saval from Philadelphia addressed the protesters, stating, ‘We are here to say no war with Iran, and we know that our views align with a vast majority of people, across party lines, across demographics, across this country.’
Additionally, Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate from New Jersey and current U.S. Representative, released a statement expressing her serious concerns.
Sherrill acknowledged the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions but criticized Trump’s decision to launch strikes without obtaining legal authorization from Congress, as required by the Constitution.
She elaborated on the consequences of poor decision-making that had previously led to prolonged wars in Afghanistan and Iraq without achieving the United States’ goals.
The discourse surrounding Trump’s military decisions continues to divide lawmakers, with profound implications for both national and international security.
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