Defense News: Dems, GOP divided after Iran briefing from Trump administration officials
WASHINGTON ― The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday, but some lawmakers were left with questions about the administration’s strategy toward Iran and whether or not the U.S. is safer for having killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
After Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed the House and Senate behind closed doors on Wednesday, lawmakers split on partisan lines over whether their concerns about Iran and the president’s actions were addressed.
“Without commenting on content, my reaction to this briefing was it was sophomoric and utterly unconvincing, and I believe more than ever that Congress needs to act to protect the Constitution’s provisions about war and peace,” said Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, who serves on the House committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Foreign Affairs.
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WNU Editor: It is moments like this that I have trouble understanding what Congress is thinking. Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani is someone who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. troops, and the wounding of thousands more. Congress should be applauding and cheering his demise, not complaining that the US intelligence that was provided in Wednesday's briefing was not convincing enough to prove that he was an imminent threat. Is his background and history coupled with his designation as a terrorist enough to justify being targeted by US forces? Apparently not.
Update: Why am I not surprised .... Meghan McCain Has To Ask Warren Three Times To Admit Soleimani Was A Terrorist (Daily Caller).
Update: Here is the next Congress - White House battle .... Trump, Democrats set for brawl on Iran war powers (The Hill)
More News On U.S. Lawmakers Divided After Being Briefed on The Iran Crisis
Democrats 'utterly unpersuaded' by evidence behind Soleimani strike -- The Hill
'The worst briefing I've had': Senate Iran briefing gets heated -- CNN
“Probably the worst briefing I’ve seen”: Inside the disastrous congressional Iran meeting -- VOX
Rand Paul, Mike Lee rip administration over 'insulting and demeaning' Iran briefing -- The Hill
Sen. Mike Lee explains outburst after 'worst military briefing': Officials had 'flippant attitude' toward lawmakers -- FOX News
Trump administration briefing on Iran angers Republican senators, boosts effort to restrict presidential power -- Yahoo News
