Ranking Member Subramanyam Statement on U.S. Military Action in Iran

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, released the following statement after U.S. military action in Iran:

"When we put American servicemembers' lives at risk, we must ensure that the cause is worthy and the objective is clear. We must ask whether it truly makes our country safer and whether all diplomatic options have been exhausted.

It is not clear to me that a protracted war with Iran fits that criteria. Last year, we were told that Iran's nuclear capability was obliterated and it would take years to rebuild. Now we're told it poses an existential threat to our country and requires war to destroy it.

I support our troops and their families, and I support the Iranian people's efforts to fight their oppressive government for a free, fair, and secular future. But the American people are tired of forever wars, regime change with unintended consequences, and spending trillions on wars abroad.

And once again, President Trump, the 'Peace President,' began this military action without any Congressional authorization. The authority to declare war resides with Congress. As these developments unfold, President Trump must seek proper Congressional authorization.

My thoughts and prayers are with American troops and their families, the Iranian people, and people in the region, at this time."