PHOENIX — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a Marine Corps combat veteran who fought in Iraq, released the following statement in reaction to President Donald Trump’s illegal war with Iran.
“I watched brave young men die in Iraq for a mission that was never clearly justified to the American people. I came home carrying the weight of that war, and I live with PTSD every single day.
“President Trump promised no more forever wars. Instead, he has illegally dragged us into another one without congressional authorization and no long term strategy.
“This is not leadership. The American people deserve answers. And our troops deserve leaders who understand the cost of war before recklessly sending them into battle.
“Supporting the Iranian people does not require bombing their country and putting our troops at risk.”
Read More: Senator Gallego’s post in the immediate moments after the war’s announcement
Yesterday, Senator Gallego joined Senator Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution to ensure any U.S. participation in hostilities against Iran is explicitly authorized by Congress. Senator Gallego voted to advance a similar War Powers Resolution from Senator Kaine last June. The June resolution gained bipartisan support but did not receive enough votes to advance.