Tonight, my thoughts and prayers go out to our brave military personnel in Iraq; my heart especially goes out to those servicepeople’s families. Iran’s ballistic missile attack on our bases is a direct threat to our national security and we condemn their actions to the highest degree.

Now, more than ever, this is the time for calm, calculated diplomacy. De-escalation and a secure resolution are necessary for both parties. It goes without saying, however, that the current moment we are facing falls at the feet of the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. His lack of restraint and ill-conceived foreign policy actions when dealing with the Iranian government has led us to this evening’s assault on our bases.

I am urging members of Congress to debate and vote on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s War Powers resolution to limit the President’s military actions with regards to Iran. The Constitution charged the United States Congress with the responsibility to declare war. Congress must no longer abdicate their responsibility to the President and, instead, take it back.