U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Trump Admin Strikes in Iran

TAMPA, Fla. - Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the Trump Administration's strikes in Iran:

"I am deeply committed to protecting the safety of American service members and civilians in the Middle East at a moment when the president has initiated a new war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people.

"Across the country, Americans have made clear that they do not want to be drawn into another open-ended, costly conflict in the Middle East. They deserve full honesty about the financial, strategic, and human consequences of a major military escalation-especially at a time when families are struggling with rising grocery prices, health-care costs, and rent. Any mission undertaken in their name must be grounded in law, guided by a coherent strategy, and built around a clear endgame. It cannot be an open-ended commitment that risks American lives and diverts billions of taxpayer dollars away from urgent needs here at home.

"Iranian hardliners are brutal, and their violations of human rights and sponsorship of global terror are well documented. The world wants freedom for the people of Iran, but right now, the Administration has left us with more questions than answers.

"The American people have repeatedly rejected the idea of another 'forever war.' History shows that the consequences of entering conflicts without defined objectives or a realistic plan to conclude them cost our nation dearly."