Lawmakers react to Iran's drone attack on Israel
Iran launched a missiles and drone attack on Israel on Saturday, in retaliation for the alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy that took out two senior Iranian officers.
The attack started late Saturday night local time in Israel. Israel has its Iron Dome air defense system on high alert, and American forces have reportedly intercepted several Iranian drones targeting Israel.
Several lawmakers and officials reacted to the Iranian attack, which is expected to target the Israeli government and military sites.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said that Israel is facing a “vicious” attack and the U.S. “must stand with its ally. Johnson accused President Biden’s administration of “undermining” Israel.
“As Israel faces this vicious attack from Iran, America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally,” Johnson’s office said on social media platform X. “The world must be assured: Israel is not alone.”
“I will continue to engage with the White House to insist upon a proper response. The Biden Administration’s undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments.”
Republican Sen. Marsa Blackburn called for the U.S. to retaliate against Iran.
“Iran has begun launching drone strikes on Israel,” Blackburn said on X. “@POTUS — we must move quickly and launch aggressive retaliatory strikes on Iran.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced the lower chamber would change schedule for next week to consider Israel legislation.
“In light of Iran’s unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable,” Scalise posted on X.
“The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack,” he continued. “More details on the legislative items to be considered will be forthcoming.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), a longtime Israel ally who called for new elections in the country last month, said he “stands” with Israelis.
“As Israel is under attack from Iran, we stand with Israel and its people, and the United States will do everything we can to support Israel’s defense against Iran,” he said on X.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) said the U.S. stands with Israel and that she will “continue” working to bring support for the country’s defense.
“The United States stands firmly with Israel and its right to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its terrorist proxies,” she said on X. “I will continue working in the Senate to deliver the support Israel needs to protect itself.”