Congressman Cohen’s Statement on the Attack on Iran

MEMPHIS - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, made the following statement after reviewing overnight reports of the joint U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran:

"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.

"The Trump Administration is asking Americans to accept a war of choice with no clear objective and no endgame. 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 in Congress 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."

# # #