Top lawmakers call for prayer, unification in wake of Iran attack

Top lawmakers call for prayer, unification in wake of Iran attack

Iranian forces targeted U.S. bases in reaction to the death of Gen. Soleimani.

January 8, 2020, 1:41 AM

6 min read

Top lawmakers called for unification and prayer on Tuesday as Iranian forces targeted U.S. military targets in Iraq with airstrikes in retaliation for the killing last week of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force.

"Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted Tuesday. "We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war."

Members of Congress, including 2020 presidential candidates Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, signaled that they were praying for the U.S. troops in harms way as news broke that ballistic missiles had been fired from inside Iran.

"Praying for the safety of our troops and personnel in Iraq right now," Booker, D-N.J., said.

In this file photo taken on Dec. 18, 2019, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds a press conference after the House passed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

In this file photo taken on Dec. 18, 2019, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds a press conference after the House passed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images, File

Gabbard, who was conducting a town hall at the time, urged her supporters to pause to acknowledge the "men and women from all across our country who made a choice to serve."

"My staff just sent me a note as I was walking in. The news is still developing, but there is a base in Iraq, Al Assad airbase," Gabbard, D-Hawaii, said. "[I'm] just asking everybody just to pause for a moment and send our good wishes and prayers to our men and women in uniform who are in harm's way today."

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., tweeted a similar statement, saying he was praying for American troops "who are defending our nation."

"Iran's aggression against the US clearly indicates that they continue to want to do harm to Americans & our nation," Lankford said. "I am monitoring the situation tonight & I pray for all the service women & men who are defending our nation."

Here's a look at how other lawmakers reacted:

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif.

"As we pray for our troops & civilians, there is still no coherent strategy from @realDonaldTrump. The White House can't adequately answer simple questions like, what are our goals with Iran? Did a drone strike advance those goals? Does Iraq voting us out advance those goals?"

Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio

"Iran is now attacking Americans with the same ballistic missile capabilities that demonstrate one of the glaring gaps in the JCPOA (Iran Deal). Please #pray for safety and success for our troops. Please #pray for a peaceful resolution to the decades of turmoil in the MidEast.

Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn.

"Closely following what’s happening in Iraq. I’m thinking of our servicemembers, their families, and our allies, as I’m sure many Americans are doing right now."

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

"Trump’s disregard for the lives of our U.S. servicemembers, civilians, and allies with his dangerous escalation of conflict with Iran has put our people in the direct line of fire. I’m deeply concerned with reports of missile attacks in Iraq."

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