North Carolina Congressional Leaders Respond to Iran Strike
Over the weekend, the United States military, under orders from President Trump, decisively attacked three targets critical to Iran’s nuclear program.
Here is what North Carolina’s Congressional leaders had to say about the strikes.
Senator Thom Tillis (R) said, “This was the right decision by President Trump: we cannot allow Iran to build nuclear weapons. God Bless our brave servicemembers who supported and executed this mission.”
Senator Ted Budd (R) said, “Tonight, the United States dealt a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. military alone had the capability to destroy these facilities deep underground, and I commend President Trump for standing with our Israeli allies in their effort to end the threat of a nuclear Iran once and for all. May God bless and protect our troops, who continue to keep us safe around the world.”
Congressman Don Davis (D) from the First Congressional District released a statement saying that Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, but declined to specifically say if he supported President Trump’s mission to eliminate this threat.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D) from the Second Congressional District said, “The hostilities in the Middle East will not be resolved quickly. This unilateral action by the United States was unlawful and unconstitutional. Both the law and the Constitution are clear: Only Congress has the power to declare war. The President did not appropriately consult Congress, let alone seek authorization for the attack.”
Congressman Greg Murphy (R) said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran and its terrorist mullahs have been a threat to peace in the Middle East, the United States, and the global community for decades. An Iran with a nuclear bomb gives birth to a world in jeopardy of cataclysmic destruction. President Trump worked to negotiate with the regime in good faith, however, Ali Khamenei overplayed is hand and now must pay the price. May God protect the innocent lives at stake and the United States and Israel’s righteous efforts to put an end to the grievous bloodshed carried out by Iran and its jihadi proxies. God bless our servicemen safely on their way home tonight.”
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (D) from the Fourth District said, “Trump’s Strike in Iran without Congressional authorization is deeply irresponsible and unconstitutional. This escalation places our troops and diplomatic personnel in immediate and unnecessary danger, and risks implicating our nation in a potentially disastrous war.”
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R) from the Fifth District said, “Exactly right. Thank you, President Trump.” Last week, before the attack she released a statement on Iran saying, “Iran’s political regime continues to pose a significant threat to peace, stability, and civil society across the entire world – Israel’s recent actions, in continued defense of its people, remain entirely justified. At the very same time, we must also recognize that the Iranian people have sought freedom from their own government’s tyranny for far too long. The United States has the imperative of supporting our longstanding ally, Israel, and supporting the Iranian people as they pursue a future that is not blighted by totalitarianism brought about by despots who control their government.”
Congressman Addison McDowell (R) from the Sixth District said, “President Trump protects America and our interests: A nuclear Iran was never an option. God bless America and the brave men and women who serve our nation.”
Congressman David Rouzer (R) from the Seventh District said, “I commend President Trump for taking decisive and resolute action to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Regardless of any Iranian response which may occur, the President and those in our military responsible for successfully carrying out this difficult mission have provided a meaningful opportunity for lasting peace in the Middle East and safety to the United States and our allies.”
Congressman Richard Hudson (R) from the Eighth District said, “President Donald Trump has been consistent and resolute that Iran- the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism- will not be allowed to build a nuclear weapons capability. He negotiated in good faith and offered Iran peace in exchange for ending their nuclear ambition. Iran did not take President Trump seriously and they have learned tonight that was a mistake. It would be another mistake for Iran to retaliate against Americans anywhere in the world. I support President Trump, I stand with Israel and I pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform around the world. America leads with resolve, and the world is safer when we do.”
Congressman Mark Harris (R) from the Ninth District said, “I am grateful for President Trump’s thoughtful and wise approach that has gone into the decision and action which has been carried out this evening in a determined approach to make certain Iran does not have a nuclear weapon!! Pray for our nation’s military, the most powerful courageous fighting force in the world!!”
Congressman Pat Harrigan (R) from the Tenth District said, “The United States executed a highly successful strategic strike against Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure. Our B-2 bombers penetrated deep into Iranian airspace, struck critical facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and completed the mission without detection or resistance. This operation demonstrates the unmatched precision, reach, and effectiveness of American military power. Iran was given every opportunity to avoid this outcome. President Trump offered a diplomatic path forward, backed by a clear warning that continued uranium enrichment and aggression against American personnel would not be tolerated. Iran chose defiance. The responsibility for what followed lies entirely with the terrorist regime in Tehran. I fully support the President’s decision. These strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to protect American lives in the region. They reflect a return to serious foreign policy—rooted in deterrence, strength, and the strategic clarity our adversaries understand. I commend our service members for their flawless execution of this mission. Their professionalism, courage, and technical skill remind the world that the United States remains capable, decisive, and unwilling to allow hostile regimes to threaten global security with impunity.”
Congressman Chuck Edwards (R) from the Eleventh District said, “In the wake of today’s strike on Iran, our unwavering support is with the brave men and women of our armed forces. They put their lives on the line not for recognition or reward, but out of a deep sense of duty to protect our nation and uphold peace and security around the world.”
Congresswoman Alma Adams (D) from the Twelfth District did not issue a statement in response to the Iran strike.
Congressman Brad Knott (R) from the Thirteenth District said, “Our prayers and gratitude are with the United States Armed Forces. My plea for the nation of Iran remains the same: now is the time to reorient and work for peace. The condition has been clear for decades under presidents of both parties: there cannot be a nuclear-armed Iran. Our President means what he says and has worked tirelessly to secure peace with Iran. Across America, now is the time to put politics aside and unite on a bipartisan basis in support of the President as commander-in-chief of our armed services. President Trump has now given Iran’s regime an opportunity to turn the page, end its nuclear ambitions, and instead embrace peace and prosperity for the people of Iran.”
Congressman Tim Moore (R ) from the Fourteenth District said, “Iran’s radical regime is a threat to freedom everywhere and has spent decades spreading terror across the globe. President Trump made clear that any attack on Americans or our allies would be met with overwhelming force. May God bless and protect our troops as we confront the evil of Iran and its terrorist proxies.”
Tim’s Take: Since the Clinton Administration, the clear policy of the United States has been “a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable.” American Presidents have conducted limited strikes in line with American policy without direct Congressional approval. Presidents have conducted limited strikes in line with American policy without direct Congressional approval. For example, President Obama ordered airstrikes in at least seven countries, including Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria. Since World War II, it has been recognized that sometimes the Presidents need to act in the nation’s interest without explicit Congressional approval. Anybody who raises concerns with Trump’s actions and not Obama’s is the definition of a hypocrite.
America’s long-standing policy on a non-nuclear Iran or the President’s powers has not changed; the only thing that has changed is the Democrats’ need to build their anti-Trump coalition by attracting protestors who are often represented at the pro-Hamas protests funded partly by Iran.
An example of this trend is former Congressman Wiley Nickel, who is challenging Sen. Thom Tillis. Wiley immediately attempted to turn the Iran situation into a political attack against Tillis. Tillis noted that Wiley had no criticism for the Iranian regime, whose work has killed thousands of Americans. Nickel’s only response was to accuse Tillis of being loyal to President Trump. Apparently, Nickel cannot bring himself to condemn the world’s leading sponsor of terror.
