COLUMBIA, SC – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement via X on U.S. strikes on Iran:
“The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war for a reason: to ensure that such a consequential decision is made only after full consideration by the people’s representatives of the case for military action, the plan for success, the potential costs, and any alternative options. The Trump Administration, in disregarding this constitutional requirement in attacking Iran, has put American lives at risk despite the apparent absence of an imminent threat to our country or a coherent strategy to achieve a successful outcome.
“George Santayana famously warned, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In this case, we need only remember the recent past—events in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya—to expect that another major American military campaign in the Middle East will encounter significant challenges. Such challenges are more likely to be avoided, confronted, and overcome if the decision to engage in military action is made in a deliberative, transparent, and democratic manner consistent with the framers’ intent.
“I urge the Trump Administration to make the adjustments necessary to align its actions with the Constitution, and I hope all of my colleagues of both political parties will join me in this demand. The lives of our service members and the security of our nation depend on it.”
###