Metro-east’s federal lawmakers react to Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran

Americans woke up Saturday morning to news that the United States and Israel had attacked Iran by bombing several cities.

In a video message, President Donald Trump pointed to the recent breakdown of nuclear talks and encouraged the people of Iran to rise up and fight for regime change.

Below are immediate reactions from metro-east legislators on social media.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat from Illinois

Duckworth posted the following statement on X (Twitter):

“Donald Trump cannot stop breaking his promises to the American people. “By illegally striking Iran, Trump made a choice — one he did not have to make — that puts American lives and national security at risk while threatening to draw us into yet another expensive, tax-payer funded forever war without Congressional approval. “He owes it to the American people he promised he would always put first to immediately come before Congress and attempt to justify how this illegal war will serve their interests. “In the meantime, the Senate must immediately vote on Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution to block this illegal military campaign.”

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat from Illinois

“Though there is bipartisan support for stopping the development of nuclear weapons in Iran, there is no consensus for another interminable war in the Middle East. I was one of 23 Senators who voted against the war in Iraq. A war in Iran with the goal of regime change could be another long-term military commitment with deadly consequences for thousands of American troops.

“The rash and unpredictable conduct of President Trump is a well-established worry in many ways but an impulsive commander in chief is a deadly combination.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, Republican from Illinois 12th District

Bost posted the following statement on Facebook:

“After exhausting every diplomatic measure to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, President Trump has acted decisively to protect America’s national security interests against the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism. God bless our military men and women in harm’s way; may the uncertain days ahead lead to a lasting peace for years to come.”

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, Democrat from Illinois 13th District

Budzinski posted the following statement on Facebook:

“The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to send our nation to war. This is a grave responsibility — one we take with the utmost seriousness. But the same cannot be said for President Trump. Once again, he has disregarded the principle of coequal branches of government. And now, the consequences could be profound and dangerous.

“It goes without saying that preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power is critically important. We had an agreement designed to achieve that goal — an agreement the President chose to abandon. Now, he is moving our nation toward war without providing Congress or the American people the justification we rightfully deserve.

“Iran’s human rights abuses and its anti-democratic regime cannot be ignored. But we can, and must, pursue diplomacy to address these challenges, not another costly and deadly conflict.

“I want the people of Illinois’ 13th District to know that when the House votes on a War Powers Resolution, I will support it. In the meantime, my thoughts are with the safety and well-being of our service members and all those in the region.”

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, Republican from Illinois 15th District

Miller posted the following statement on Facebook:

“Trump has taken decisive action to defend America’s interests and confront those who threaten our security.

“As our elite Armed Forces carry out Operation Epic Fury in Iran, we lift up our brave servicemembers and the allies standing beside them in prayer for their safety and success in the mission.

“May God continue to bless and protect the United States of America.”