How Pa. lawmakers responded to Trump’s airstrike that killed a top Iranian military leader

(This rolling list will be updated)

Iranian leaders were vowing revenge Friday after a drone strike that killed a top military commander. The leader, Qasem Soleimani, was a “towering figure” in training Iran’s proxies around the Middle East, and was plotting an attack against the United States, the Washington Post reported, citing Trump administration officials.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?s=20

The airstrike Friday at Baghdad Airport drew partisan rebukes and skepticism from some analysts, who said it had the potential to ratchet up tensions in an already unstable region. Here’s how Pennsylvania’s lawmakers on Capitol Hill responded to the news:

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa:  “Qasem Suleimani was a military figure who inflicted terror and killed thousands in Israel, Iraq, Syria and other places. He was directly responsible for the killing of hundreds of American soldiers and civilians. The world is safer with him gone,” Casey said in a statement released by his office.

He continued: ” The Trump administration must provide a full briefing to Congress next week regarding the following:

• The intelligence used to authorize the strike;
• The legal basis for the strike;
• The nature of the threat articulated by the Pentagon in its statement last night; and
• The preparations and planning the Administration has undertaken regarding potential retaliation by the Iranian regime against Americans abroad and here at home.

“I have grave concerns that President Trump and his Administration have not provided the American people with a comprehensive strategy on Iran.

“Finally, this and other recent actions by the administration have been taken without a Congressionally-approved Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). As we prepare for fallout in the coming days, Congress has a critical role to play in assessing the legality of the strike, understanding its impact on U.S. national security and conducting oversight over this Administration’s actions abroad,” Casey concluded.

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.: “Qasem Soleimani was responsible for the murder of hundreds of Americans. The world is a better place now that he is dead. Every American should be grateful to our armed forces who carried out this strike with incredible skill and precision. The Trump administration was right to restore deterrence against Iran,” Toomey said in a statement released by his office.

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District: “Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran’s Quds force, is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American servicemen and servicewomen. Soleimani perpetuated the Iranian regime’s destabilizing proxy wars across the Middle East and carried out numerous terrorist attacks on behalf of Iran—the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

“According to the Defense Department, Soleimani was imminently plotting even more attacks on American servicemen and servicewomen, and therefore the air strike was needed to protect our American soldiers, diplomats, and civilians serving in critical missions in the region. Iran’s attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, their mounting aggression against the United States in the region, and their direct and imminent threats to Americans serving in critical missions abroad cannot be ignored,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-3rd District:

3/ President Obama worked to DE-escalate tensions in the region through a nuclear limitation deal with Iran – President Trump broke that deal and the result has been increased danger in an already volatile region.

— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District:

My statement in response to the U.S. strike on Iranian Commander Soleimani. pic.twitter.com/sW0XbukSG7

— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District:

There is no doubt that Qassem Soleimani was an evil man who was a danger to American lives and interests. However, I am concerned about the consequences that may result from this administration’s dangerous escalation…1/2 https://t.co/LQCEUgIzXV

— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:

The Congress and the American people deserve answers: it is imperative the President explain what precipitated this destabilizing decision in what is already an extremely volatile region and what strategy there is going forward. 5/5

— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-7th District:

My statement on the US air strikes on Iranian Quds Force Leader Qassem Soleimani ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ybzBNOs4pQ

— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8th District:

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9th District:

(1/3) The killing of Americans will never go unpunished, and aggression from Iran will no longer go unchecked. If Iran laid down its weapons and wanted peace, conflicts would end.

— Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-10th District:

Privileged to join Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss the U.S. military airstrike in Baghdad that killed Iranian terrorist, General Qassem Soleimani. Please watch the video below to hear my thoughts. https://t.co/btNauDhD2f

— RepScottPerry (@RepScottPerry) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-11th District: 

Soleimani was a terrorist. President Trump and our brave servicemembers just reminded Iran—and the world—that we will not let attacks against Americans go unpunished.

🇺🇸

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12th District: 

Once again, President @realDonaldTrump has shown America will not back down, terrorists will be held accountable, and rogue states cannot continue to rule neighboring democracies through thuggery and intimidation. The death of Qasem Soleimani is a win for freedom. https://t.co/aV033XmMm9

— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-13th District:

From day one, President Trump has been committed to achieving peace through strength, protecting Americans at home and abroad. Our Armed Forces are the best in the world, and we’re indebted to them. https://t.co/ORq7uR3h3W

— John Joyce (@RepJohnJoyce) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District:

Qasem Soleimani was a brutal terrorist brought to justice for the deaths of thousands, including at least 500 U.S. service members. This week, @realDonaldTrump demonstrated that when Iran crosses a red line there will be consequences. (1/2)

— Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-15th District:

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District:

The death of Qassem Soleimani is a triumph of good over evil. Those who seek to kill and harm Americans and other innocent people will face justice. Thank you to @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and our military for your leadership in fighting terrorism!

— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th District:

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District: