WASHINGTON – This evening, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) released the following statement:

“As the son of a veteran, I understand the sacrifices our brave men and women in uniform make to defend our country and our freedoms. I take very seriously the responsibility of ensuring their care and safety. As a member of Congress, I also take seriously my responsibility to keep my constituents and the nation safe.

“That obligation includes ensuring surgical military strikes, such as the ones authorized to eliminate threats to the United States like bin Laden, al-Baghdadi and Soleimani, are conducted appropriately, lawfully and constitutionally, regardless of who is in the White House.

“For decades, Iran has been the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, with Qasem Soleimani taking advantage of regional conflicts to aggressively expand the Iranian regime’s influence and wreak havoc on freedom-loving people in the Middle East and Americans – both civilian and military alike.  

“No one wants to see this violence continue, just like no one wants another endless war. That is why appeasement of the Iranian regime must end and strategic steps toward de-escalation must be taken. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Congress and with the Administration – not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans – to accomplish this and ensure the safety of the American people as we confront and contain Iranian aggression.”

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