CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN, DEMOCRATIC VETERANS SPEAK OUT AGAINST WAR IN IRAN: “WE REFUSE TO LET THE COUNTRY WE LOVE MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES”

Congressman Pat Ryan, Democratic Veterans Speak Out Against War in Iran: “We Refuse to Let the Country We Love Make the Same Mistakes” 

In less than a week, six U.S. servicemembers have been killed, an additional 18 troops have been wounded, and estimates show that up to $5 billion in taxpayer dollars have already been spent

WASHINGTON, DC  –  Today, Congressman Pat Ryan – an Army veteran who served two combat tours in Iraq – led 10 of his fellow Democratic veterans in speaking out against Trump’s illegal, dangerous war in Iran. 

Speaking to their experiences, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ryan and his colleagues declared their support for a War Powers Resolution to assert Congressional authority and rein in Trump’s recklessness endangering troops and U.S. national security.  

“I served two combat tours in Iraq. I’ve seen what happens when a lying, chicken-hawk President beats the war drums, more than willing to send our kids off to die in the Middle East but unable to articulate why. Now, 20 years, trillions of dollars, and countless deaths later, we still haven’t gotten accountability from the politicians who started this mess. I refuse to let the country I love make those same mistakes again,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As veterans of the country’s longest wars, we have a special obligation to the next generation of American Patriots to ask the hard questions and force this debate. We passed the War Powers Act after the Vietnam War to ensure that before the President sends our troops into harm’s way, he has to make his case to the American people. Trump hasn’t done that. He still hasn’t clearly explained his goals. He still hasn't told you what it will cost – both in our tax dollars and even more of our kids coming home in flag-draped coffins. We need to have a full and honest conversation in front of the American people about what comes next. That is how we stop yet another forever war.” 

“Six American servicemembers killed, many more wounded. Billions of dollars likely spent already. Still, the Trump Administration doesn’t have a clue about what comes next,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “My generation of veterans knows the cost of Middle East regime change wars and the cost of who bears it. Congress needs to pass this War Powers resolution and put a stop to this reckless war in Iran.”

“I served in the Army for 25 years, including in Iraq, and my twin brother was wounded by an Iranian IED. I understand the threat posed by Iran. But wars are easy to start and hard to finish — and Americans are the ones who pay the price,” said Congressman Eugene Vindman. “With costs rising at home and six Americans already dead, I’m supporting the War Powers Resolution to stop this president’s war of choice and ensure we don’t risk more American lives without a clear and lawful path forward.”

Congressman Ryan is a U.S. Army veteran, served two combat tours in Iraq, and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Amid recent threats to veterans’ benefits, national security concerns, and rising threats worldwide, Congressman Ryan led his fellow veterans in Congress to create the Democratic Veterans Caucus. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has led extensive legislation to deliver relief for veterans, service members, and military families. 

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