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.
North Carolina police officer killed in line of duty during emergency room shooting incident
Senate could take test vote on new spending bill as early as Sunday afternoon
Habba: DOJ moved ‘swiftly and decisively’ to stop ISIS-linked Halloween terror plot targeting Jews
Reckoning looms for politicians as longest government shutdown persists
Newsom tells Texas crowd taking back House is ‘the whole thing’ for Democrats in 2026
Republicans turn their attention to bashing Obamacare as shutdown enters day 39
Fact Check: Did Trump Callously Ignore the Man Who Collapsed in the Oval Office?
Former Capitol Police Officer Accused in Jan 6 Pipe Bomb Plot By Journalist Investigation Matching Suspect’s Gait
Manhunt underway after gunman allegedly fires at federal agents during Chicago immigration enforcement action
Senate in limbo as Thune eyes long-haul until shutdown ends
Former TV anchor charged with first-degree murder in stabbing death of 80-year-old mother: DA
North Carolina Democrat switches to GOP for gerrymandering campaign against Moore
Watch: UK Police Arrest Christian Teen for Standing Up to Islamic Mob
Pelosi earned more than $130 million in stock profits, return of 16,930%, during time in Congress: report
Deep Dive: All the Good That Could Come From Killing the Filibuster and All the Bad Too
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.
