June 22, 2025
Addressing U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement:
“I am grateful that no U.S. service members were harmed during the military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities. I am praying for American troops and citizens in the region, and I will be working with state and local partners to ensure New Yorkers here at home are safe.
Throughout my career, I have been a steadfast champion of Israel, leading U.S. support for Iron Dome and initiatives to strengthen the alliance between our nations. I have long supported efforts to ensure that Iran, the foremost exporter of terrorism in the world, cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
However, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to unilaterally launch these attacks without seeking congressional authorization, as required by the Constitution. The Trump administration must fully explain to the American people the rationale for this military action and a strategy to avoid being mired in another Middle Eastern war, and it must give Congress a full intelligence briefing immediately.
No further military actions should be allowed without proper congressional approval.
Avoiding further escalation is essential to the peace and security of Israel, the U.S., and our partners in the region. I urge the president and Iran to pursue a diplomatic resolution to this conflict.”
SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER (FROM THE TIMES OF ISRAEL): “Confronting Iran’s ruthless campaign of terror, nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression demands strength, resolve, and strategic clarity. The danger of wider, longer, and more devastating war has now dramatically increased. We must enforce the War Powers Act and I’m urging Leader Thune to put it on the Senate floor immediately. I am voting for it and implore all Senators on both sides of the aisle to vote for it,” he says, referring to legislation that limits the president’s power to unilaterally sign off on prolonged military entanglements abroad without authorization from Congress.
