Rep. Derek Schmidt statement on military operations in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-2) released the following statement:

"Since U.S. combat operations in Iran began, I have expressed support for our servicemembers in harm's way but have taken care not to rush to judgment. Engaging American military forces in combat is a matter of enormous consequence. Every person in a position of public responsibility should assess his or her duty with serious mind and with only the best interests of our country for a guide.

Therefore, I have studied the public reports, consulted with congressional leadership, sought the opinion of Kansans experienced in U.S. military engagement in the Middle East, listened to the input of my constituents, and received a briefing on the situation from Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth, General Caine, and Director Ratcliffe. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I continue to receive updates including an additional briefing earlier today. I will continue to listen carefully as this military operation proceeds.

Based on the information gathered to date, I have formed the following views:

First, after nearly half a century of Iran waging war against America, our country is fighting back with overwhelming force and precision. Since seizing power in 1979, the Islamist fundamentalists in Tehran have murdered more than 1,000 Americans and maimed or kidnapped countless more. The death toll includes 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983, 19 U.S. airmen in Riyadh in 1996, more than 600 U.S. servicemembers in Iraq from 2003 through 2011, 46 U.S. civilians in Gaza in 2023, and 3 U.S. soldiers in Jordan as recently as 2024. They have maimed or kidnapped hundreds more Americans while hijacking airplanes, bombing cafes and bus stops, and planting roadside bombs. They have bombed our embassies. They have killed U.S. diplomats and sought to assassinate our country's national security adviser, secretary of state, and president. They thought they could continually attack us without consequence by hiding behind proxies. They expected a lack of American resolve.

Second, the Tehran regime remained determined to carry on its fight against America and our allies into the future. It refused to abandon nuclear-weapon ambitions even after the United States destroyed the regime's principal weapons facilities last year, continued to develop missile and drone delivery systems with expanding range, and smuggled likely terror cells into our country across our once-open southern border. This is not a war of choice for America; only the time and place of our fighting back were of our choosing.

Third, now that the fight is joined we must stand with our troops and succeed. The Trump administration and our U.S. forces abroad and law enforcement here at home have my full support. Today I voted against cutting off support for our dedicated troops in combat, against stopping short of completing their mission underway in Iran, and once again in favor of funding the Department of Homeland Security so it remains vigilant against the terror threat here at home. The U.S. military mission in Iran is to protect America by degrading to the point of elimination the Tehran regime's warfighting abilities-notably its abilities to build a nuclear bomb; to project power through its navy, missiles and drones; and to equip and support terror networks. In my view, we must remain focused on that America First mission and guard against mission creep. Kansans do not favor another protracted involvement in a foreign war.

Fourth, I am convinced the president had ample legal authority to join this fight. Although engaging Congress sooner might have been prudent, Congress is now engaged. My vote today supports our troops in combat. We did not seek this fight but speaking with one voice, we must support our warfighters as they finish their mission.

I take no joy in our country finding itself in this position. Like all Kansans, I mourn the six Americans killed in action as of this date. And I pray for the safety of all our troops, for the full recovery of those wounded, for the American civilians still trapped in the theater of operations, and for the families who love and support them. God bless them all."