VIDEO: Peters Takes to Senate Floor to Speak Out Against Trump Administration War with Iran

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee, took to the Senate floor to speak out against the Trump Administration's war with Iran. Peters reiterated his opposition to the Trump Administration's unilateral military operations by calling on the President to come to Congress and seek congressional approval, while urging his Republican colleagues to use their Constitutional authority and hold the Trump Administration accountable.

"It's been days since this attack. But President Trump has yet to make clear to Congress, and more importantly to the American people, what exactly our objectives are here. What does victory look like?" said Senator Peters. "If Americans are going to send their sons and daughters into harm's way across the world, they certainly deserve to know what is the President's end goal and what is the exit strategy."

"But unfortunately, my Republican colleagues just continue to act as a rubber stamp."

Peters also reiterated his support of the War Powers Act resolution before the Senate yesterday, which would have prevented the President from continuing military actions against Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself from an Iranian attack.

"The American people deserve answers, and our servicemembers deserve real leadership. That's why I'll be voting yes on the resolution before us today," Senator Peters said. "I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it because it's past time for this administration to show the American people a real plan. It's past time for Congress to start acting like a co-equal branch of government. We need to exercise the checks and balances that our Constitution expects from us."

To watch Peters' full speech on the Senate floor, click HERE.

During the speech, Peters paid respect to the American servicemembers killed in action or injured as a result of the U.S. military operation and highlighted that thousands more servicemembers in the region are now at risk of retaliation by Iran.

"Since President Trump's reckless decision to escalate this conflict, at least six American servicemembers have been killed in service to their country, and many more have been injured," said Senator Peters. "My heart goes out to their families and loved ones, and I will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice."

Peters, who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve, also highlighted the risk that continued escalation poses to American servicemembers serving in the region.

"During my time as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I served in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Places where, right now, our servicemembers are at heightened risk because of this operation. My thoughts and prayers are with these brave servicemembers and the nearly 40,000 U.S. troops serving within range of Iranian missiles, and a situation on the ground that is rapidly changing," said Peters.

Peters has repeatedly spoken out against the President risking American lives by dragging the United States into another war in the Middle East, without Congress' approval.

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