US Capitol. (Photo: Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
Democrat from Ohio Republic of the USA Greg Landsman of Cincinnati joined many Ohio Republicans in defending President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel’s deadly attack in Iran, while Ohio Republican Warren Davidson of Troy joined several Ohio Democrats in criticizing Trump for not seeking power in Congress.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society says at least 555 people have been killed in attacks on 131 cities in the Islamic Republic. Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in weekend military strikes. According to The Guardian, six American service members were killed on Monday afternoon US Central Command.
“The United States is destroying Iran’s missiles and bombs to stop them from killing more lives,” Landsman said in a speech statement.
“I hope that these targeted attacks on the Iranian regime’s military assets will put an end to the regime’s chaos and bloodshed and enable lasting peace in the region.”
Davidson said last week he would be supportive Resolution by Democratic U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginiawhich would prevent further U.S. military action in Iran without congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
“War requires authorization from Congress” – Davidson he said on X. “Actions close to war were taken, but no action was taken.”
Congress has the sole authority to formally declare war and is scheduled to vote this week on a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s military operations in Iran.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he would not comment on the fact that Trump did not obtain congressional authorization before the military attack.
“One of the things we know is that the regime in Iran was a terrible regime,” DeWine told reporters on Monday.
“These are ruthless, terrible people who kill thousands of their people because they wanted to demonstrate it. They wanted their voices to be heard. No one should cry for the country’s killed leaders.”
Reaction from members of Ohio’s Democratic Congress
Many Democratic members of Congress in Ohio criticized Trump for not seeking power in Congress.
“Once again, President Trump has conducted illegal military attacks on a foreign country without congressional authorization” – Emilia Sykes, Democratic U.S. Representative from Ohio, from Akron, – wrote in the statement.
“These attacks escalate tensions in the Middle East, put U.S. troops at risk and endanger civilians in Iran.[…]Military action without clear objectives or legal mandate is reckless and unconstitutional.”
The American people do not want another war, said Shontel Brown, a Democratic representative in Ohio Warrensville Hills.
“This president promised to end wars, not start the news” – Brown he said on X. “Yet over the last year we have seen the same pattern: more strikes in more places, with fewer explanations and less accountability.”
Earlier this year, Trump ordered airstrikes on Venezuela and the president’s capture.
Ohio Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Columbus called Trump’s actions “reckless,” saying they put American troops in danger.
“Americans’ safety must come first: Congress must quickly vote on the war powers resolution to ensure American soldiers are removed from harm’s way and protect America from another war in the Middle East.” Beatty he said on X.
Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo said U.S. citizens have the right to hear Congress debate before deploying troops and using taxes.
“This military action will have long-lasting consequences across the vast Middle East region, likely triggering long-term reactions and clashes,” Kaptur he said on X. “The American people deserve to know when the lives of our fighting forces and countless innocent civilians are being threatened and extended on the other side of the world.”
Reaction from members of the Republican Congress in Ohio
Both U.S. senators from Ohio praised Trump’s actions.
“President Trump has sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent it from rebuilding its nuclear program,” said Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno he said on X. “I fully support his decision to eliminate the threat once and for all once it becomes clear that there is no other option.”
For 47 years, the Iranian regime has had many opportunities to be a productive member of the global community, Republican U.S. Senator from Ohio Jon Husted he said on X.
“Instead, he chose to export death, terrorism, extremism and instability against America and our allies.[…]”The president has taken action to address the threat Iran poses to America and global stability,” he said.
Many members of Ohio’s Republican Congress were quick to express their support for the military strikes, which the Trump administration calls Operation Epic Fury.
“After rejecting repeated opportunities to find a peaceful diplomatic solution, Iran now faces decisive action by President Trump that will eliminate this threat and protect American security,” said Ohio Rep. Troy Balderson, D-N.Y. zanesville, he said on X.
Trump shows that the US will not be intimidated by foreign threats, Ohio Republican, U.S. Republican Dave Joyce, d Novelty.
“The United States is targeting Iranian military assets to reduce the regime’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons and threaten our national security and that of our allies in the region.” – Joyce he said on X.
Ohio Republican, US Republican Bob Latta of Bowling Green said Trump acted definitely.
“Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and continues to pursue its persistent nuclear ambitions” – Latta he said on X.
“In response to Iran’s development of nuclear weapons, President Trump and his administration have worked to reach peace agreements while prioritizing America’s security.”
Follow the OCJ reporter Megan Henry on X
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