Both state and federal Michigan lawmakers released statements on Operation Epic Fury as the United States and Israel attacked Iran Saturday morning.
As of 3 p.m. Monday, four Americans have been killed in action, while nearly 20 have been seriously injured.
Here are what state and federal lawmakers of Michigan’s First District are saying about the escalation in the Middle East.
Congressman Jack Bergman:
“The Iranian regime’s decades of sponsoring terror - costing American service members and innocent lives - cannot go unanswered. Peace comes through strength, and weakness only emboldens our enemies. The threats against the United States and our allies must be confronted with resolve,” Bergman said in a social media statement. “As a Veteran, I know the cost of war. No one understands that burden more than the men and women who have worn the uniform. But we also understand that America - and the freedoms we defend - are worth standing up for. Join me in praying for our troops, our President, and the Iranian people. God Bless America.”
Michigan senator Gary Peters:
“Mourning the loss of the three American servicemembers who were killed in action during military operations against Iran. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. I am forever grateful for their service and sacrifice,” Peters said in a Facebook post.
“The President just acknowledged he is risking American lives by dragging us into another 'war’ in the Middle East, without Congress’s approval. Our Constitution requires this check for a reason. The American people don’t want to send their sons and daughters to another unjustified, forever war across the world. Iran is a bad actor and we must ensure they never produce nuclear weapons. We had a diplomatic agreement with Iran on nuclear proliferation and President Trump withdrew during his first term without a plan for what comes next because he was playing petty politics. Now, he’s sending American service members back to the Middle East to attempt to fix the problems he created. The Administration must immediately brief Congress on these strikes and its next steps, end goal, and strategy to ensure this protects, not weakens, our homeland security.”
Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin:
“My thoughts are with the families of the American service members killed and wounded in the operations in Iran. These Americans answered the call to serve. Their deaths are a reminder of the real, dire consequences of decisions made in Washington,” Slotkin said in a Facebook post Sunday.
Slotkin said this Saturday after the attacks were announced.
“Americans woke up this morning to news that the U.S. and Israel have started major military action against Iran. Unlike the U.S. strike on Iran back in June, this operation doesn’t appear to be a one-and-done, so we’re thinking about the safety of our servicemembers and their families. Likewise, many Michiganders have family in the Middle East who are at risk right now as Iran is striking a number of countries. We pray for their safety as well. As a former CIA officer who served three tours in Iraq, I have no love lost for the Iranian government. They’re a state sponsor of terror, responsible for the deaths of Americans. I saw it up close in Iraq and elsewhere. But issues of war and peace should be treated with the utmost consequence. And President Trump hasn’t made his case to the American people. He hasn’t laid out the goals or the imminent threat posed by Iran that justifies risking a wider regional war. And he hasn’t followed the Constitution and brought this issue before Congress before committing our nation to war.
Most elected leaders — including President Trump himself — have condemned the rush to war without clear goals in the past. He owes the American people the same thing he was demanding of previous presidents if he’s going to put lives at risk. And Congress should come back to Washington to debate these issues.”
U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow said this about the operation.
“Donald Trump is a dangerous, dishonest, and reckless President who cannot be trusted to unilaterally take our country to war. We don’t need another costly, protracted conflict in the Middle East with no strategy. We’ve seen how this plays out. It ends with American lives lost, civilians killed abroad, billions spent, and a world that is no safer than it was before. Instead of focusing resources to ensure Americans have access to healthcare, housing, jobs, safety and security in their own communities, this President has chosen a war overseas at the expense of everyone back home,” McMorrow said.
More comments:
Michigan state senator John DaMoose did not comment on the situation as of Monday, while state representative Betsy Coffia posted on Facebook about a meme featuring the movie Shrek and its character Lord Farquaad.
“I woke up this morning as a child of the American working class, and a mash up of this scene and song came to my mind (from the 2001 Shrek movie),” Coffia continued.
“Some of YOU may die, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”
Coffia added, “PS — this POTUS dodged the draft. The men in my family did not. His spoiled rich sons will never go to war but he is happy to send yours.”
Read more Thursday as we follow Michigan state and federal lawmakers regarding the escalation in the Middle East.
