by Tom Shine, Kansas News Service
Republican members of the Kansas Congressional delegation issued statements Friday supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to authorize a drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Soleimani commanded Iran’s proxy forces in other Mideast countries. He was responsible for fighters in Syria backing President Bashar al-Assad and, officials say, for the deaths of American troops in Iraq.
Reps. Roger Marshall, Ron Estes and Steve Watkins all released statements in support of Trump, as did Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran.
Rep. Sharice Davids, the delegation’s lone Democrat, said she is concerned the attack will destabilize the region.
Rep. Roger Marshall, 1st District
“President Trump was completely and totally justified in carrying out this strike against General Soleimani, a terrorist and evil butcher responsible for the deaths of literally hundreds of Americans. This President is a decisive leader who puts America’s interests and her people first, not last. Instead of billions in cash payments, this administration will not bend the knee to thugs. Congratulations and thank you for a job well done to U.S. military personnel and the U.S. leadership team. America is safer today than yesterday.”
Rep. Steve Watkins, 2nd District
“From years spent in Iraq helping fight the War on Terror, I know the best way to deal with evil regimes like Iran and cruel men like Soleimani is a proportionate response and the reestablishment of deterrence. For years Iran did not see the United States as a credible threat because under President Obama — we weren’t. Now, we have a President who understands what so many service members know: actions run risks, but inaction returns more consequences in the long run.”
Rep. Sharice Davids, 3rd District
“Qassem Soleimani committed atrocious crimes against American troops and innocent people. But his killing will only serve to further destabilize an already dangerous region and put more American and civilian lives at risk. The American people deserve to know that this Administration has a strategy for how to deal with the aftermath of this major escalation. As someone who grew up in a military family, I know what it’s like to have those you care about serve overseas. My priority is ensuring this Administration has a plan to keep our service members, embassy personnel and U.S. citizens around the globe safe. I will continue to monitor and expect to be kept apprised of the situation, as is the responsibility of this Administration to Congress.”
Rep. Ron Estes, 4th District
“America and the world are undeniably better off without the terrorist Qassem Soleimani. I support President Trump, Secretary Pompeo and our armed forces for taking decisive action in response to Iran’s provocations of our national security, sending a strong message to anyone else seeking to harm Americans and our allies. I applaud this administration’s leadership and will continue to make sure our troops are prepared to respond to any threat around the world.”
Sen. Pat Roberts
“Qassem Soleimani was a brutal terrorist responsible for killing hundreds of our brave servicemen and women in the Middle East. I applaud the Trump Administration, the U.S. military and our intelligence community for taking action against the largest threat in the Middle East and protecting Americans overseas.”
Sen. Jerry Moran
“Qassem Soleimani was a perpetrator of death and directly responsible for thousands of deaths in the Middle East, including the lives of many American soldiers. This strike was based on intelligence indicating an imminent threat to American lives, and I applaud the work of our brave servicemembers and intelligence officers in carrying out this mission. The threat from Iran remains significant and it is imperative we ensure the safety of all Americans not just in Iraq, but in the Middle East and around the globe.”
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See more at https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-republicans-congress-support-trump-decision-drone-strike