Rep. Bera Statement on American Military Strikes Inside Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), a senior Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the United States carried out wide-ranging military strikes inside Iran:

“As a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, I was not briefed by the Administration in advance of these strikes on Iran. The Administration has not presented a clear case to the American people, and it did not seek authorization from Congress.

“President Trump’s own statement makes clear this is an act of war. The President himself warned that ‘the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.’ Any decision that puts the lives of our servicemembers in harm’s way demands the highest level of scrutiny, deliberation, and careful planning.

“The Administration must immediately come to Congress to brief Members on its legal rationale, objectives, and exit strategy. 

“We must also remain clear-eyed about the brutality of the Iranian regime, which has killed thousands of its own people in recent weeks. I continue to stand with the Iranian people as they seek freedom from this oppressive regime and the ability to determine their own future. But any regime change efforts initiated by the United States will require rebuilding institutions and sustained support. This cannot be done overnight. We must learn from past failures to avoid another open-ended entanglement in the Middle East.

“Next week, the House will vote on a War Powers Resolution on Iran. I will support that resolution.

“I am praying for the safety of our servicemembers and for the protection of all innocent civilians.”