House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's statement on airstrike against Iran

San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the White House notified the Congress of the initiation of hostilities against Iran, pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973, after conducting airstrikes against Iranian high-level military officials near Baghdad International Airport:

“This classified War Powers Act notification delivered to Congress raises more questions than it answers.  This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran.  The highly unusual decision to classify this document in its entirety compounds our many concerns, and suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security.

“The Trump Administration’s provocative, escalatory and disproportionate military engagement continues to put servicemembers, diplomats and citizens of America and our allies in danger.  This initiation of hostilities was taken without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iran, without the consultation of the Congress and without the articulation of a clear and legitimate strategy to either the Congress or the public.

“As Speaker of the House, I reiterate my call on the Administration for an immediate, comprehensive briefing of the full Congress on military engagement related to Iran and next steps under consideration.  The Administration must work with the Congress to advance a bonafide de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence.”