Press Releases

WASHINGTON — This evening, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, issued this statement after the Trump Administration conducted an airstrike at the Baghdad International Airport killing Qasem Soleimani:

“There is no question that Qasem Soleimani was a ruthless military commander who had American blood on his hands. But this is a serious and destabilizing escalation that could lead to war. Let’s be clear: Congress has not authorized war with Iran. Republicans and Democrats alike do not want war with Iran. The American people do not want war with Iran. We are sick and tired of endless wars.

“We have heard nothing so far from this administration about how they plan to deescalate this dangerous situation and prevent this from spiraling into an ever-escalating series of retaliatory actions that would almost certainly put American troops and innocent civilians in harm’s way. The President’s reckless strike — clearly without a lot of thought — will also likely embolden hardliners in Iran, increase the likelihood of extremist retaliation throughout the region and encourage more anti-Americanism in Iraq.

“This is a dangerous moment for the United States and the World. Yet the White House hasn’t explained their strategy or told anyone what happens next. Americans deserve better than that.”