Reactions by Virginia Democrats to Trump’s Attempt “to both claim victory and blame others for his own ineptitude”

See below for statements by Sen. Tim Kaine and Sen. Mark Warner, also Virginia’s U.S. House Democrats (starting with Rep. Don Beyer…will add others as I see them), on Trump’s delusional speech last night about his disastrous Iran war of choice. In short, Democrats were NOT impressed, for instance with Sen. Kaine saying that Trump “trie[d] to both claim victory and blame others for his own ineptitude,” while Sen. Warner said  the speech “did little to answer the most basic questions the American people deserve when our nation is engaged in a costly and dangerous conflict.” So…lives lost, tens of billions of U.S. tax dollars spent, massive economic damage inflicted, etc, etc.  – and all for what?  The hardline regime’s still in place in Iran, they’re still able to fire off drones and missiles and keep the Strait of Hormuz largely shut down, etc., so…???

KAINE STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S IRAN WAR UPDATE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s update on the Iran war:

“Tonight, more than a month into an illegal and unwise war against Iran, President Trump decided to finally attempt to offer the American public an explanation. That attempt fell way short. Having apparently learned nothing from 25 years of tragic wars in the Middle East, Trump started this war on his own—without a clear rationale, without a well-considered plan, without the support of allies, and without the constitutionally-required authorization from Congress. And now, with mounting U.S. casualties, rapidly escalating expense, widening chaos in the region, and economic punishment of Americans already burdened by fast-rising energy, health care and housing prices, the President tries to both claim victory and blame others for his own ineptitude.

“American troops always perform bravely and with distinction. But they have been too often betrayed by poor decision-making by civilian leadership, and this sad pattern is repeating itself here.

“The solution is not more war. It’s time for Congress to end the President’s war-making, remove our troops from harm’s way, restore our ties with allies rather than destroy them, prioritize defense and diplomacy rather than juvenile boasting about war, and finally focus on helping Americans here at home by tackling the affordability crisis.”

Kaine has been a leading voice against unauthorized wars during his time in the Senate. So far this year, Kaine has helped force three votes in the Senate on War Powers Resolutions to block the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against Iran. Senate Republicans have blocked each resolution.

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STATEMENT OF U.S. SEN. MARK R. WARNER

~ On President Trump’s address to the nation ~

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, tonight issued the following statement:

“President Trump’s address tonight did little to answer the most basic questions the American people deserve when our nation is engaged in a costly and dangerous conflict with Iran. From the outset, this administration has offered a moving target of justifications for this war of choice – none matched by the serious planning required to manage its predictable consequences. Americans are already feeling the impact at the pump, alongside rising prices for diesel, fertilizer, aluminum, and other essentials, with consequences that will continue to ripple through the economy for a long time to come.

“We are told there is a new regime in Iran, but there is no evidence it is any better – and in many ways it may be worse. There is still no clear plan to secure Iran’s nuclear material, its ballistic missile capabilities remain a threat, and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. At the same time, the administration is easing oil sanctions in a way that is sending billions of dollars back to the very regime we are confronting.

“Thirteen American service members have already paid the ultimate price. We owe them, their families, and every man and woman in uniform clarity, accountability, and a strategy worthy of their sacrifice. Until this administration can clearly articulate a path forward, Congress must demand answers and be prepared to act.”