Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reacted to the successful U.S. airstrike on Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq on Thursday evening by complaining that Congress was not consulted in advance about it.
In a statement released by the Speaker’s office on Thursday evening, Pelosi demanded an immediate briefing:
American leaders’ highest priority is to protect American lives and interests. But we cannot put the lives of American servicemembers, diplomats and others further at risk by engaging in provocative and disproportionate actions. Tonight’s airstrike risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence. America – and the world – cannot afford to have tensions escalate to the point of no return.
The Administration has conducted tonight’s strikes in Iraq targeting high-level Iranian military officials and killing Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iran. Further, this action was taken without the consultation of the Congress.
Dave Ramsey Said No – As Usual – But One of The Backstreet Boys Made Her Dream Come True Anyway
Judge Boots PETA Suit Designed to Do Away with Dachshund, Pug, Bulldog, and Other So-Called ‘Deformed’ Breeds
Appeals court says federal judge must reconsider blocking WH ballroom, weigh national security concerns
Carney casts himself as NATO defender amid Trump beef, despite Canada missing key benchmark for decades
Report: China Supplying Iran with Anti-Aircraft Weapons to Aid in Fight Against US
Scott Presler’s pressure campaign fuels GOP SAVE America Act standoff
Conservative Journalists Obtain Files on Charlie Kirk Murder from Utah Valley University
The states revealed as best to start a family amid cratering belief in the American Dream
Resurfaced clips from top Democrats echoing Trump on birthright citizenship spark online uproar: ‘Wow’
Christmas Vacation and Congress: ‘We’re all in misery’ amid the ongoing DHS shutdown
Eric Swalwell accused of paying nanny with campaign funds while she lacked work authorization
Breaking: US, Iran Exit Face-to-Face Negotiations with No Deal
Vance says US-Iran talks end without deal after 21 hours of negotiations
Poll: 1 in 5 Young Germans Plan to Move Out of the Country, Even More Imagine Living Somewhere Else
Swalwell’s Endorsement List Is Being ‘Nuked From Orbit’ After Sex Abuse Allegations — But Here’s Why Dems Don’t Get a Pass Now
The full Congress must be immediately briefed on this serious situation and on the next steps under consideration by the Administration, including the significant escalation of the deployment of additional troops to the region.
A spokesperson for Pelosi confirmed that she had not been notified in advance and only spoke to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper after the attack.
Speaker Pelosi spox says she spoke to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper after the Soleimani strike as no advance notification was given as statement indicated. Pelosi + Esper connected last night via text phone around 9:40pm. Call lasted 13 mins.
— Alex Moe (@AlexNBCNews) January 3, 2020
Pelosi has yet to notify the Senate formally about the impeachment of President Donald Trump — 16 days ago.
Story cited here.
