Washington, DC – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s classified briefing held Friday morning.

“Today’s briefing was overdue, and significant questions remain unanswered about the status of Iran’s nuclear program as well as the United States’ strategy and objectives in the region. As such, the administration must come back to Congress regularly to provide classified updates and unvarnished assessments on Iran’s nuclear program.
 
“We continue to assert the President was required by law to seek and obtain approval from the Congress before the strike. We remain committed to advancing the War Powers Resolution that we have sponsored (H.Con.Res.40). The purpose of the resolution is simple and straight forward. It prohibits the President from launching a military attack against Iran without Congressional approval, while allowing the United States to defend allies and partners from imminent attack.

“We remain united in our appreciation of the skill and professionalism of America’s Armed Forces and diplomatic and intelligence communities. Those who undertook this mission and who have and will continue to defend U.S. bases and military installations in the region have our eternal gratitude.
 
“We are also supportive of the administration’s stated desire to engage diplomatically and directly with Iran. Diplomacy is critical to a sustainable peace. In this situation, it is vital to ensuring that Iran halts pursuit of a nuclear weapons program and engagement in further hostilities, either directly or through their proxies. All of this is crucial to ensuring we are able to secure stability in the region, both for our national security and defense and that of partners and allies.”