Michigan’s lawmakers are beginning to issue public statements following President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment that the United States is risking American lives in military action involving Iran.
So far, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib have shared their reactions. Additional responses are expected.
Sen. Gary Peters: “Our Constitution requires this check for a reason”
In a Facebook post, Sen. Gary Peters said the president is “risking American lives by dragging us into another ‘war’ in the Middle East, without Congress’ approval.”
Peters wrote that the Constitution requires congressional authorization “for a reason” and said the American people “don’t want to send their sons and daughters to another unjustified forever war across the world.”
WDET’s Russ McNamara interviewed Peters on Sunday, March 1, following the attack.
Sen. Peters emphasized the the unclear goals of the operation in the long term and critiqued Republicans in congress for failing to question the president and exercise their checks on his power. He also stated that potentially starting another war in the Middle East goes against the will and priorities of the American people, and that it will likely further international tensions and distrust of the U.S. among allies.
“This is not a simple decision to make. It has significant consequences, including for the Iranian people. So it is one that cannot be taken lightly, and why you need to have a full discussion about what your goals are and what you hope to accomplish,” said Peters. “And are you actually advancing global stability, or are you making things more unstable?
Sen. Peters also shared concern for how vital personnel to counter terrorism have been used to bolster Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving gaps in U.S. security.
Peters’ team said he plans to support the Iran War Powers Resolution that is expected to go in front of congress this week. He voted in favor of Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution when the Trump administration launched strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities last June.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib: “The American people do not want a war with Iran”
In a statement released from Detroit, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said, “The American people do not want a war with Iran.”
Tlaib criticized what she called the Trump administration’s “illegal war of aggression on Iran,” saying it has “already killed dozens of children” and risks igniting “a catastrophic regional war.”
She said Congress “must stop the bloodshed by immediately reconvening to exert its war powers.”
Tlaib also said Iran is “a bad actor” and that the United States must ensure the country never produces nuclear weapons. She referenced a prior diplomatic agreement on nuclear proliferation, saying President Trump withdrew from it during his first term “without a plan for what comes next.”
Tlaib called on the administration to immediately brief Congress on the strikes, including its next steps, end goal and strategy, to ensure the action “protects, not weakens, our homeland security.”
