Tennessee's Republican congressional delegation is supporting the United States' historic strikes against three Iranian nuclear sites, military moves made at the direction of President Donald Trump.
Trump addressed the nation Saturday night, hours after an attack that he called a “spectacular military success,” saying, “Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.” He also promised more attacks if Iran doesn't “make peace.”
Following the attack, U.S. military facilities and service members are preparing for Iranian counterstrikes, and international economic disruptions are anticipated.
Newly introduced bipartisan legislation, the War Powers Resolution, seeks to prevent U.S. armed forces from deployment to Iran without congressional authorization. Despite Trump’s statements as the president, no official act of war has been declared by Congress.
Gov. Bill Lee commented on the strikes, saying, “President Trump has made a courageous decision to seek peace through strength. @MariaLeeTN and I pray earnestly for the safety of our troops across the Middle East and for the sovereignty of Israel.”
As of this writing, Tennessee's lone Democratic congressional representative, Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis, has not yet made a public statement on the strikes.
The following is a roundup of statements made by the rest of Tennessee's congressional delegation.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn
“@realDonaldTrump knows peace can only be achieved through strength. This is a victory for the United States.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty
“@POTUS’s decisive leadership enforced deadlines and redlines. This was a tough decision, one that, as always, President Trump put the interests of the American people first in making. May this be the end of Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.”
U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles
“We must end Iran’s nuclear ambitions and protect American lives. Praise God for a successful mission — keep praying for our country.”
Ogles followed this with another post: “Pray for President Trump, pray for our nation, and pray for peace — American safety comes first.”
U.S. Rep. Mark Green
“The United States has given Tehran every opportunity to forgo its nuclear ambitions; it has repeatedly refused. President Trump made the right decision. A nuclear armed Iran would be detrimental to the existence of our ally Israel, the stability of the Middle East, and our own national security.”
U.S. Rep. John Rose
“Iran should never have a nuclear weapon— President Trump is making sure of it. God bless America, our President and our brave warfighters.”
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett
“Now is the time for peace. That’s what I’m praying for.”
U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais
“The Iranian regime attempted to assassinate President Trump before assuming office, made serious threats to America, and bombed our ally Israel incessantly. A nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran would pose serious consequences to the safety and security of our country. I stand with President Trump's decision to take out the last of their nuclear sites and his call for peace. It is my hope that the Iranian people will now be able to take back their country from these terrorists and force a change for democracy.”
U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger
“President Trump has tried over and over again to come to a peaceful agreement with Iran, but they have refused to work with us. While I believe war should never be an option, I am proud of President Trump and our military on a successful operation to deter the spread of war in the Middle East.”
U.S. Rep. David Kustoff
“Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for demonstrating strong leadership on the World stage. Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. This is peace through strength!”
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann
“President Trump is showing strong leadership that will protect America and the entire world by ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Iran is the world’s largest state-sponsor of terrorism, responsible for the murder of thousands globally. The Iranian regime must NEVER have access to nuclear weapons. I applaud President Trump for his steadfast leadership as our Commander in Chief and our outstanding Armed Forces for their successful mission.”
A previous version of this article was published by our sister publication, the Williamson Scene.
