Ranking Member Khanna Warns Renewed Iran War Weakens U.S. National Security, Strengthens China
WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ro Khanna (CA-17) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party today sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing grave concern over the Administration's decision to resume military hostilities with Iran, arguing that the conflict ignores Congress' directive, weakens America's strategic position against China, and diverts resources from urgent priorities at home.
Last month, both the House and Senate passed H. Con. Res. 86, a War Powers Resolution directing the President to immediately terminate military hostilities with Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
“This war of choice has been a self-inflicted disaster that has cost at least 18 American lives and wounded hundreds of other servicemembers, burned through billions of taxpayer dollars, and led to rising prices deepening America’s affordability crisis,” Khanna explained in the letter.
In the letter, Khanna argues that the renewed conflict has weakened U.S. national security by diverting attention and resources from countering China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. He also condemns the President's recent statement suggesting the United States would impose a 20 percent tax on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such rhetoric creates a dangerous precedent that could be exploited by Beijing.
“Your actions and rhetoric threaten to turn the United States into the predatory bully our nation has so long sought to protect the world against,” wrote Khanna. “This conflict must end through tough diplomacy backed by a global coalition of allies and partners, not extortion and blunt force. America must lead the world again as a moral example and enforcer of the global rules that you have acted so readily to violate.”
Khanna is urging the President to end the conflict, comply with Congress' directive, and redirect resources toward strengthening America's economy, rebuilding domestic industry, and improving the lives of the American people.
Read the letter here.
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