Michigan representatives react to a recent strike by the United States military to destroy three nuclear facilities in Iran. On Saturday President Trump addressed the nation to inform Americans the United States conducted an attack on three nuclear sites in Iran. The action followed an operation conducted by Israel last week. Iran retaliated to Israel’s strike in the following days.
Senator Gary Peters reiterated his stance that Iran should not have nuclear weapons noting his support for the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, that limited Iran’s nuclear program. The senator also condoned the President’s action to strike Iran without consulting Congress.
Representative Jack Bergman also voiced his support for disarming Iran’s nuclear program. Representative Bergman stated his support of the Administration and the need for negotiations without escalation.
Senator Elissa Slotkin focused her commitment to the United States troops in the Middle East. She also expressed a desire to receive a full brief on the operation executed by the United States and concern for the safety of the armed forces.
Find the representatives’ statements below.
Senator Gary Peters:
I have always been clear that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. That was and continues to be non-negotiable. I voted for diplomacy in 2015 to restrict Iran’s nuclear program and avoid the need to use military force which should always be a last option. President Trump’s withdrawal from that agreement accelerated Iran’s progress toward nuclear capabilities. He Made the Decision to take military action without congressional approval, and the consequences rest squarely on his shoulders.
The Administration must engage Congress on a bipartisan basis on potential next steps – beginning with a briefing on this strike, its impact on destroying Iran’s nuclear program, what new threats it creates that we must counter, and the President’s plan to keep our servicemembers and homeland safe. As the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am concerned about retaliation at home. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I want to emphasize our responsibility to protect our service members in the region.
Representative Jack Bergman (1):
Having served 40 years in the Marine Corps — many of those as an aviator — I can say with confidence that today’s U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran showcased truly impressive precision.
President Trump has long made it clear: Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon — and the American people overwhelmingly agree. The President gave Iran’s leader an opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.
By leveraging the unmatched precision of the U.S. military, the President has sent a clear message to the world about what peace through strength truly means. This was not a knee-jerk response, and knowing President Trump, he has no interest in dragging America into another endless war.
The Iranian people are at a pivotal moment — with an opportunity to push back against a brutal regime and demand the basic human rights and freedoms they’ve been denied for too long, especially the women who have endured decades of oppression.
Senator Elissa Slotkin:
“I expect a full, classified brief on the strikes in Iran, and the strategy and force protection plans, as soon as possible. In the meantime, tonight I’m focused on the safety of the over 40,000 U.S. forces in the Middle East, and their loved ones back home, concerned about retaliation and what comes next.
“While it’s too early to know the results, a successful strike by our capable military wasn’t the primary question.
“The real question is: what happens the day after? A strike can have major repercussions for safety and stability across the region. As someone who served in Iraq and saw up close the loss of blood and treasure over 20 years, I don’t want to be embroiled in another drawn out conflict, and neither do the American people.
“This is exactly why our founders built a role for Congress on issues of war and peace — to ensure questions of real consequence are answered before American men and women are engaged in war.”
