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.
Immigration judge orders deportation of NYC Council employee after ICE arrest, city leaders push back
GOP overperforms in Virginia special election, fueling early momentum talk in blue-trending state
Watch: Senate Dem Turns to Conspiracy Theories When Markwayne Mullin Refuses to Play Her Games During Confirmation Hearing
MS Now Axes Part of ‘Morning Joe’ in Significant Shake-Up
Mullin committee vote could hinge on John Fetterman as Rand Paul vows to oppose
How Markwayne Mullin would lead DHS differently than Kristi Noem
GOP governors, AGs back Trump SAVE Act push, warn system gives ‘undue influence’ to states with illegal aliens
Strikes may set Iran back — but likely won’t end nuclear program, UN watchdog chief warns
China pursuing non-violent unification with Taiwan, unlikely to invade in 2027: US intel
Mexican man attempts to cross illegally into US via underside of bridge
Ex-principal sidelined over Charlie Kirk controversy now headed to prison in illicit image case
Team USA’s Heartbreaking Loss in World Baseball Classic Final Leads to Jesus Being Praised on National TV
Democrats Scrambling as Leftist Icon Is Hit with Bombshell Child Rape Allegations
Gabbard and Patel deny knowledge of Trump emergency election order plans
NYC spends more per homeless person than a typical household earns in a year, data shows
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.
