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.
Judge dismisses DOJ judicial misconduct complaint against James Boasberg
Schumer nukes GOP push for ‘Jim Crow-era’ voter ID laws in Trump-backed shutdown package
Celebrities Try to Lecture Americans with Flood of Anti-ICE Virtue Signalling at Grammys
Turning Point USA launches rival halftime show with star-studded lineup as NFL faces Super Bowl backlash
Melania documentary reception and box office reflects ‘disconnect’ of critics and audiences: Joe Concha
BREAKING: Police Have a ‘Crime Scene’ in Disappearance of ‘Today’ Show Host Savannah Guthrie’s Mom
Detransitioner Wins Multi-Million Dollar Medical Malpractice Case That Could Lead to the End of So-Called ‘Gender Affirming Care’
Illegal immigrant in Florida charged with arson, felony criminal mischief, sheriff says
Federal agents arrest 2 more in connection to Minnesota church storming
Biden-Appointed Federal Judge Smacks Down Minnesota’s Attempt to Block ICE Crackdown
Arizona man accused of human smuggling is a repeat offender who once ‘threw rocks’ at Army helicopter: docs
DOJ ramps up focus on violent agitators in Minnesota as resignations strain fraud cases
Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil makes 140th weather prediction
Where things stand with the government shutdown and how soon it could end
House panel moves to consider criminal referrals for the Clintons
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.
