The U.S. has struck three nuclear sites in Iran, joining Israel's attacks against Tehran's nuclear program. President Trump called the strikes "a spectacular military success.”
According to the president, Iran's nuclear sites were "completely and totally obliterated." Trump had ordered the attack abruptly, hoping it would catch Tehran off guard.
However, many are claiming President Trump’s escalation into launching airstrikes on Iranian soil is “unconstitutional”, pointing out Trump’s forgoing of Congressional consultation.
U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), said in a statement “Trump’s decision to unilaterally drop bombs on multiple nuclear sites in Iran is reckless, dangerous and above all — blatantly unconstitutional to do so without Congressional approval.”
Rep. Frost also criticized President Trump’s plan for peace with Iran following U.S. attacks.
“To claim ‘now is the time for peace’ after bombing a country is complete nonsense and goes against the will of the vast majority of American people who don't want to get involved in another endless and deadly conflict in the Middle East.” he said. "This is a dangerous escalation that puts countless lives at risk, including American troops in the region. Congress must reconvene immediately to prevent Trump from pushing us into an all-out disastrous war." he said.
In a similar vein, U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, (D-FL), reiterated the need for Congress’s approval before taking any drastic military action.
“The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to authorize war. This administration must immediately brief Congress in full, explain its objectives, and make the case to the American people. Absent that, any further unilateral military action would represent a troubling overreach and carry unacceptable risks.” she said.
Despite her condemnations, Rep. McCormick would finish her statement by recognizing the risk that a nuclear armed Iran could pose to the U.S. and its allies.
“Iran is a serious threat to the United States and must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. But the recent U.S. airstrikes mark a major escalation with far-reaching consequences.” she said.
Other Florida lawmakers have voiced full support for the Trump administration’s strikes on Iran, citing the urgency of the situation over congressional approval.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz,(D-FL), asserted that the U.S. must never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. She said diplomatic failure opened a window for strikes that severely diminished Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, (R-FL), released a statement supporting Trump’s actions and calling for the full and unconditional surrender of the Iranian regime.
“I FULLY BACK PRESIDENT TRUMP’s DECISIVE ACTIONS & SUPPORT MORE STRIKES AGAINST IRAN’s POLITICAL STRUCTURE IF THEY DO NOT SURRENDER!”
