Here's What Members Of Indiana's Congressional Delegation Are Saying About The U.S. Airstrike In Iraq

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R)

“Qasem Soleimani was a terrorist mastermind who was responsible for the murder of hundreds of Americans. Under his command, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps brought death and destruction across the Middle East — and beyond. Last night, justice was delivered.

The President’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran has always been about pushing Iran’s leaders, primarily through economic means, to change their behavior and stop exporting terror around the globe. Iran failed to change, and mass murderer Soleimani met his fate. I hope this strike will finally wake up the Ayatollah and the outlaw regime in Tehran. End the terror and focus on improving the lives of the Iranian people by embracing peace.

As the Administration considers next steps from here, Congress must be involved in that debate.”

– U.S. Sen. Todd Young

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R)

“President Trump made the courageous decision to kill Qassim Suleimani, who was the leader of Iran’s violence against the United States that was directly responsible for killing American soldiers through IEDs for over a decade and was planning future attacks against American citizens throughout the Middle East.  Iran has been one of America’s greatest enemies and I’m proud that President Trump is protecting our country and our allies.”

– U.S. Sen. Mike Braun

U.S. Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN6)

“Qasem Soleimani had the blood of hundreds of American patriots on his hands. Our Embassy is sovereign soil and our response was forceful and appropriate. Evil has been taken off this earth,” said Congressman Pence. “By the grace of God I shipped out of Beirut just before the 1983 Marine Barracks bombing orchestrated by Iran-backed terrorists. I know what the Iranian terrorist network is capable of. I stand firmly in support of President Trump, Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Esper.”

– U.S. Rep. Greg Pence

U.S. Rep. André Carson (D-IN7)

“I’m extremely concerned by this provocative action to target a senior Iranian military commander, which is another disastrous example of this administration’s reckless foreign policy. What’s more, the President made this incredibly consequential decision without the input of Congress. The circumstances surrounding the killing of Qasem Soleimani could inadvertently create devastating consequences.

Killing Soleimani in a drone strike raises huge questions about the legality of targeting a commander of a country we are not at war with, in another country we have withdrawn from militarily.

And this action by the Trump Administration has inevitably escalated an already tense situation between the U.S. and Iran, which could put countless Americans at risk, propelling our nation into a costly and bloody war. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I look forward to evaluating the intelligence reporting that underlined the justification for this capricious action.”

– U.S. Rep. André Carson

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN2)

“Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. servicemembers and countless innocent civilians throughout the Middle East. Under his command, Iran-backed terrorists and militias recently escalated their attacks on Americans in Iraq, including targeting our military bases and our embassy in Baghdad, and he was actively plotting further attacks at the time of his death.

A ruthless terrorist has been brought to justice, and there should be no doubt about our nation’s resolve: we will not tolerate attacks on Americans and our allies.”

– U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN3)

Republican Jim Banks posted his thoughts on Twitter shortly after the news broke.

Soleimani was a terrible foe of the United States and responsible for thousands of American lives lost. If he is dead, justice has been served. Tehran, your next move should be a wise one.

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) January 3, 2020

A lot of people asking me: "What happens next?"
My answer: America and freedom win. Terrorists lose.

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) January 3, 2020

Obama-era position of weakness toward & appeasement of Iran vs @realDonaldTrump’s maximum pressure campaign + military “peace through strength” strategy.

Choice is pretty clear tonight

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) January 3, 2020

Not only is #Soleimani's death a victory for the American people, it is a cause of celebration for the Iranian people who suffer daily under an oppressive, militaristic regime whose mission is to "export our revolution to the world."

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) January 3, 2020

U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN8)

Republican Larry Bucshon also posted a statement on his Twitter account. 

The President acted appropriately to protect Americans and our allies in the Middle East. This action did not require Congressional authorization. Soleimani was a terrorist and was planning future attacks. Iran should realize Americas resolve to defend ourselves and stand down.

— Larry Bucshon, MD (@RepLarryBucshon) January 3, 2020