Congresswoman Beatty Alarmed by Congressional-Go-Around in Soleimani Killing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, January 3, 2019, President Trump unilaterally ordered the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq. Trump's move has been the subject of intense scrutiny, including from numerous national security and foreign policy experts. The ultimate fear is that the killing of Soleimani will lead to greater U.S. military presence in the Middle East or retaliation from the Iranian regime against American military or civilian targets. Since then, President Trump has further fanned the flames by threatening more military action. In fact, the president took to Twitter yesterday to warn Iran that he was prepared to attack 52 sites across the country in ‘major retaliation.'

Responding to these extremely concerning developments, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement:

"President Trump's order—done without clear authorization from Congress and without consulting appropriate congressional leadership—was a provocative attack that I fear will lead to an escalation of tensions with Iran. Soleimani was undoubtedly responsible for the deaths of countless military and civilian personnel, yet retaliation from Iran may end up putting more American lives at risk. Even now, thousands of more U.S. troops are being deployed to the Middle East.

Let me be clear, I want no war with Iran and will work with my colleagues to do everything we can to avoid a military confrontation."

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