Local, regional lawmakers react to US, Israel strikes on Iran

From Local 3 News: Some of our local and state leaders are reacting to the United States' and Israel's strikes on Iran Saturday morning, February 28.

Here are some of their responses:

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann:
"For decades, Iran and its theocratic dictatorship have been the world's largest state sponsor of terror, threatening the United States and the peace of the world. President Trump will always defend America's national security and interests. May God bless the men and women of our armed forces and our coalition partners."


Senator Jon Ossoff:
"Eight months ago, Donald Trump lied to the country when he claimed U.S. air strikes had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear program.

"Now Trump says he's taken America to war for regime change in Iran.

"Trump has launched this regime change war and put American forces at risk without presenting evidence of an imminent threat, without clear objectives, without having exhausted diplomacy, without a plan for the aftermath, and without the consent of Congress.

"I oppose yet another regime change war-of-choice in the Middle East. Congress must convene immediately and pass a War Powers Resolution to assert our Constitutional authority over war and peace.

"The President has presented no evidence that Iran - or its nuclear program - which he falsely claimed he 'obliterated'  - pose an imminent threat to the United States, or that diplomacy was exhausted. Iran's support for terrorism and uranium enrichment have long destabilized the region. But sending American forces into harm's way should only ever be a last resort.

"I pray for the safety of U.S. forces who have been ordered into battle and commend their extraordinary professionalism."
 

Senator Bill Hagerty:
"May God bless and protect our troops, the United States of America, and President Trump. The Iranian regime has fueled and sponsored terror for decades resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands. This was an operation driven by one clear objective: securing peace through strength."


Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock:
"Americans do not want another forever war in the Middle East. We have walked this road before & too many Americans paid the ultimate price. The president must do everything in his power to find a diplomatic solution. I am praying for peace & our servicemembers."

"No president has the right to drag the nation into war like this alone. The American people deserve a voice. Congress must return immediately to vote on this war. God bless our troops as they keep their oath. We, the people's elected representatives, must keep ours."


Senator Marsha Blackburn:
"The Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ for decades. It’s time to end the reign of terror."

"God bless our troops."


Senator Bill Hagerty:
"May God bless and protect our troops, the United States of America, and President Trump.

"The Iranian regime has fueled and sponsored terror for decades resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands.

"This was an operation driven by one clear objective: securing peace through strength."


Congressman Steve Cohen:
"The American people did not vote for another war in the Middle East. They voted for lower costs, safer communities, and improving quality of life for their families — not launching military action that risks dragging us into another open-ended conflict with Iran.

"While a limited, targeted strike on military nuclear or missile facilities could be argued by some to fall outside the War Powers Act, seeking regime change - as Trump has called for, and as desirable as it may be - is war. And under the constitution, war must be authorized by Congress. Escalation without a clear diplomatic strategy, without a defined endgame, and without congressional approval is reckless and risks American lives, regional instability, and the deaths of innocent civilians.

"At a time when families are struggling with housing costs, groceries, and health care, our priority should be strengthening America at home - not starting another war abroad. We should be pursuing diplomacy to prevent further escalation and loss of life. I will support efforts inCogress to reassert our constitutional authority and prevent further escalation, and I pray for the safety of our servicemembers and all innocent people in harm's way."


Congressman Scott Desjarlais:
"Please join Amy and me in praying for our military personnel serving abroad as well our friends and allies as we begin operations to cut the head off the snake of the world's leading sponsor of terrorism and end Iran's thirst for nuclear weapons."

"The Iranian people will finally have the opportunity to take back control of the government that was taken from them almost 47 years ago."


Congressman Tim Burchett:
"Spare me your outrage. Obama bombed 8 countries without congressional approval, and Clinton bombed an aspirin factory to cover up his affair."


Tennessee Governor Bill Lee:
"Maria and I are in prayer for our troops & allies, and we’re grateful for their heroism to preserve freedom & protect our country. President Trump is right to hold the Iranian regime accountable, and his unwavering commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East will secure America & Israel’s future."


Georgia Governor Brian Kemp:
"Please join us in keeping our Armed Forces in our prayers."