[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan today over plans he reportedly presented to top White House officials regarding a potential deployment of 120,000 troops to counter Iran in the Middle East. During a meeting in her office, Duckworth expressed concerns with the Trump Administration’s approach to Iran and cautioned Shanahan against moving forward with a proposal that could raise tensions in the region, set off an accidental war with a foreign power and lead to the preventable loss of American lives. A photo of their meeting is available here.

“I expressed my concerns to Acting Secretary Shanahan today about the Trump Administration’s increasingly reckless approach to Iran—and highlighted how sending tens of thousands of American forces into the region could put our national security at even greater risk,” said Duckworth. “The drums of war appear to be growing louder at the White House, so I also made sure to make one thing clear: the President does not have the legal or constitutional authority to declare war, Congress does. Before the Trump Administration makes a decision that could lead our military into intentional or accidental armed conflict, the President must get Congressional approval—and he must level with the American people about what the true costs of that conflict would be, in both dollars and cents and human lives.”

Article continues after sponsor message

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

More like this:

Nov 4, 2024 - This Day in History: November 4: A Day of Triumph and Transformation – From World War II to Technological Marvels

Oct 12, 2024 - Governors JB Pritzker, Tony Evers, and Gretchen Whitmer Issue a Joint Statement Concerning Reports that Donald Trump Gave Russian Dictator Putin Ameri

Nov 6, 2024 - Bost Issues Statement On President Trump's Historic Victory

4 days ago - Duckworth Reacts to Election Outcome, Reaffirms Commitment to Upholding the Will of the American People

Sep 23, 2024 - This Day in History on September 23: Neptune Discovered