The bombing of Iranian nuclear sites is getting mixed reaction from Maine congressional members.
Republican Senator Susan Collins released a statement late Sunday supporting the move as “necessary” and “decisive” against Iran’s aggressive attempt to get nuclear weapons.
Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree released a statement shortly after the attack Saturday night, calling the attack “reckless” and “unconstitutional.”
Pingree also said Congress should pass a new bill to limit presidential authority to start foreign military activities without congressional consent.
Senator Collins statement:
“U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement on the strike by U.S. forces on nuclear sites in Iran:
“The precision strike that the President ordered was a necessary response to Iran’s aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons. This limited and decisive action is far preferable to the much broader conflict that would be all but inevitable if Iran were to obtain nuclear weapons.
“A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to our ally Israel. Ultimately, as Iran continues to develop the capacity of its ballistic missiles, our country is also in danger.”
Representative Pingree’s statement:
“The President’s decision to bomb Iran without the authorization of Congress is reckless, unconstitutional, and puts countless lives at risk—including U.S. troops currently stationed in the Middle East.”
“No President has the authority to launch a military attack against any country without Congressional authorization—especially when there’s no imminent threat to the American people. This is unconstitutional.”
” It is imperative that Congress convene as soon as possible to address this crisis, to vote on the bipartisan War Powers Act introduced last week, and to make clear to the President that the United States must not be dragged into another war in the Middle East.”
