February 02, 2024

Duckworth Statement on U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

 

[WASHGINTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding today’s U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria:

“I’m heartbroken that three servicemembers were killed last weekend in an Iran-backed attack, and I’m devasted for their families, who will never be able to hold their loved ones close again. Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Sgt. Kennedy Ladon Sanders and Sgt. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett were heroes. As someone who knows what it’s like to sacrifice in an ill-considered war, I know it’s critical to the safety of American troops in harms’ way overseas that our response is strategic and thoughtful, not rash and hot-headed.

“While I look forward to being briefed on the Administration’s strategy in more detail, today’s airstrikes in Iraq and Syria look to me to be the first stage in a well-thought-out, strong and measured campaign aimed at deterring further Iran-supported attacks on our troops without risking an escalation that could lead to yet another protracted war in the Middle East. In one of the most dangerous moments for the region we’ve seen in decades, our nation’s strategy must be focused on reducing, not increasing, the threat of war and the Administration must keep Congress well-informed of its plans and seek authorization where required by law.

“I want to remind some of my Republican colleagues who’ve recklessly beat the drums of war recent days that the cost of war is not solely measured in dollars and cents, it is paid for with American blood as well. If the Republican Senators who’ve advocated strikes that increase the risk of war believe that’s the correct response, then they owe it to the servicemembers whose safety they are putting at further risk to bring an AUMF to the floor and start that debate. At least then, our troops downrange would be able to know what their mission is, what their goals are and that their leaders in Washington both have their backs and are following the Constitution.”

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