Members of the Tennessee congressional delegation have started to express their thoughts about the military situation in Iran.
Their comments have split mostly along party lines. But, at least one Republican wants Congress to have a say in the strategy.
Tennessee’s senior Sen. Lamar Alexander believes that for too long the United States has not deterred Iran’s militancy.
“Gen. Soleimani orchestrated the killing of American soldiers and spread terror around the world,” Alexander said Wednesday in a statement to WPLN News. “His death represents a huge change in U.S. policy.”
But, Alexander questioned whether the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani will make the U.S. safer.
“Congress needs to be an important part of approving that strategy and its consequences,” he said.
Most Tennessee lawmakers in Congress mentioned relief that no US lives were lost in the Iranian retaliation.
“I’m relieved no Americans were harmed during the Iranian missile strikes last night,” Knoxville area Rep. Tim Burchett tweeted. “We must avoid war with Iran and deescalate tensions in the region. Let’s bring our brave men and women in Iraq back home.”
Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper says Trump’s remarks Wednesday morning “did nothing to reduce tensions” and “may have only made the situation more dangerous.”
Several Republicans in the state praised President Donald Trump. Those included Army veteran and Clarksville Congressman Mark Green, who thanked the president for “facing down Iran and decisively showing their regime the cost of crossing the most powerful and capable military in the world.”
Other reactions
Republican Rep. Scott DesJarlais:
“Gen. Soleimani led Iran’s slaughter in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran itself. Hundreds of thousands dead. .. The [House] Speaker [Nancy Pelosi] has no sense of proportion.”
Republican Rep. Chuck Fleischman:
“Exceptional diplomatic address from @realDonaldTrump. I am grateful no American casualties occurred from last night’s missile strike, and I am confident in the President’s ability to further deescalate tensions in the Middle East. Excellent leadership, Mr. President.”
Republican Rep. David Kustoff:
“I applaud Trump’s strong message today and his continued commitment to our safety and strength.”
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