MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:

“Despite his own administration’s intelligence, despite Congress’ overwhelming disapproval, despite the American people’s desperate pleas for peace and diplomacy, President Trump launched an attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran and its nuclear sites. In total disregard of the laws of this nation and in violation of our Constitution, he has entered the United States into another conflict in the Middle East.

“This crisis was already at its boiling point, and Donald Trump just raised the temperature to a historically destabilizing level. He and his administration have not only overreached in this callous and reckless surprise attack against Iran, but they have left America and Americans vulnerable to our adversary’s imminent retaliation. Iran’s response is certain to be severe, vengeful, and of grave danger to servicemembers abroad and civilian populations across the region. And at home, our communities are now extremely vulnerable to retaliatory cyberattacks that threaten our critical infrastructure, or other punitive measures that risk untold innocent American lives. 

“A peace found through meaningful diplomacy will inevitably be stronger than a peace built atop destruction. War must always be the last choice – and one only Congress has the authority to make. Regrettably, it was Donald Trump’s first choice. And now, through his recklessness, peace may have been forfeit for generations to come. I urge Congress to hold Donald Trump accountable for his unauthorized actions and save this nation from the condemnations of history. This is no time for fear or fealty. The Republican Party must stand up to end the lawlessness of this wannabe dictator and flailing authoritarian strongman – while they still can.”

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