Congressman Anthony Brown: With each escalation, Trump puts us closer to an unconstitutional and potentially catastrophic war that will cost us tremendously

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown, Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Committee and a 30-year combat veteran, released the following statement on the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani and escalations with Iran:

"President Trump has failed to effectively engage or counter Iran and has forced the United States into an endless cycle of escalation that risks wider war, endangers American lives, and has made both the region and the world less safe. The assassination of General Soleimani may serve to eliminate one threat, but it most likely undercuts our credibility, isolates us from our allies and partners, and emboldens Iran. President Trump has left us with little hope of reducing tensions or deterring Iranian aggression let alone their nuclear program.

It didn't have to be this way. Donald Trump could have forced Iran to stay in compliance with the nuclear deal, while engaging our allies to challenge Iran's malign behavior, human rights abuses and state sponsorship of terror. Instead, the President has gutted the State Department, attacked our intelligence agencies, ignored our military leaders, and acted without customary consultation with Congress and our international allies. Our foreign policy is in a state of chaos.

With each escalation, Trump puts us closer to an unconstitutional and potentially catastrophic war that will cost us tremendously in blood and treasure. The only alternative to conflict is robust diplomacy. We must reduce the risk of miscalculation and find an opening for creative dialogue with Tehran. It is time to turn the page on the Administration's bankrupt policy in the Middle East of the last three years."

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