By Savannah Behrmann and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY–
Lawmakers quickly reacted after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S. troops and coalition forces in Iraq on Tuesday, an apparent retaliation for a U.S. drone strike days earlier that killed one of Tehran’s most powerful generals, Qasem Soleimani.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was gathered with Democrats discussing impeachment and the House’s agenda Tuesday evening when a staff member brought in a note, informing her of the strike.
Pelosi paused, told members what had happened and said “we’ve got to pray,” according to Rep. Debbie Dingell who was present for the meeting.
“She’s a Catholic woman like me,” Dingell said. “We all care deeply about our military men and women that are serving this country.”
Soon after, Pelosi tweeted that she was “Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war.”
Vice President Mike Pence briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, though he has not released a statement, yet.
Justin Goodman, a spokesman for Schumer, says the New York Democrat is closely monitoring the situation and is praying for the safety of service members and other personnel.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was briefed by the White House tonight, too, and tweeted that “we must be united in the fight against terrorism and those who would do our country harm. America’s full support is with our courageous service men and women standing the watch.”
“With reports of missile strikes launched by Iran against U.S. bases in Iraq, my thoughts and prayers are with our service members, diplomats and other personnel at risk, and with their families,” Judiciary Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., tweeted.
Adam Schiff✔@RepAdamSchiff
With reports of missile strikes launched by Iran against U.S. bases in Iraq, my thoughts and prayers are with our service members, diplomats and other personnel at risk, and with their families.
“This was an act of war, Sean, by any reasonable definition,” Graham continued, before declaring that “the President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond. How he responds is yet to be determined.”
Acyn Torabi@AcynLindsey Graham is on Hannity calling the missile attack an act of war and suggesting Trump should seek a nuclear deal with Iran
Senator Rand Paul✔@RandPaul
I am praying for the safety of our troops in Iraq tonight. While I would have preferred they come home long ago, there is also no excuse for this action by Iran.
We need to stop the escalation before it leads to another endless war in the Middle East.
Senator Rand Paul✔@RandPaul
In the meantime, the Administration needs to bring any discussion of war with Iran to the American people and their representatives in Congress, as the Constitution requires.
Kamala Harris✔@SenKamalaHarris
I’m closely monitoring the situation in Iraq. Praying for the safety of every American currently stationed in Iraq and keeping their families in my thoughts.
Amy Klobuchar✔@amyklobuchar
Closely monitoring what is happening in Iraq. We must do all we can to protect our servicemembers and Americans at risk.
Freshman Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, D-MN, tweeted that “War doesn’t have a reset button, I learned this lesson at the age of Eight. Lives will be lost, many innocent lives will be lost and the future of generations will be impacted. Let’s call for peace.”
Speaking at a 2020 campaign rally tonight in Brooklyn, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts stated, “At this moment, my heart and my prayers are with our military and with their families in Iraq and all around the world. This is a reminder why we need to deescalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran.”
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., tweeted, “As we pray for our troops & civilians, there is still no coherent strategy from @realDonaldTrump. The White House can’t adequately answer simple questions like, what are our goals with Iran? Did a drone strike advance those goals? Does Iraq voting us out advance those goals?”
Ted Lieu✔@tedlieu
As we pray for our troops & civilians, there is still no coherent strategy from @realDonaldTrump. The @WhiteHouse can’t adequately answer simple questions like, what are our goals with Iran? Did a drone strike advance those goals? Does Iraq voting us out advance those goals? https://twitter.com/JenGriffinFNC/status/1214701875158814720 …
Jennifer Griffin✔@JenGriffinFNC
Full Pentagon Statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman: “At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq…
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘This was an act of war’: Lawmakers react to Iran’s missile strike on US military bases
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