Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, Democratic candidate for Congress in South Carolina’s First District, issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against Iran:
“The reckless decision by Donald Trump to launch military strikes against Iran is deeply irresponsible and dangerous,” said Rivera-Vázquez. “Rather than promoting peace and stability, this escalation threatens more loss of life, destabilizes the region, and puts American service members and American citizens in harm’s way.”
Rivera-Vázquez criticized what she described as a failure of congressional oversight.
“Instead of serving as a check on executive overreach, Nancy Mace and the Republican Congress have once again chosen silence and political loyalty over their constitutional responsibility. Congress does not exist to rubber-stamp dangerous decisions — it exists to debate them, to scrutinize them, and to protect the American people.”
Rivera-Vázquez emphasized that diplomacy must be prioritized over military escalation.
“We should be using every diplomatic tool at our disposal — not resorting to violence that can spiral into a wider conflict. Our priority must be protecting our communities here at home, investing in jobs, healthcare, and education, and avoiding unnecessary wars that cost countless lives and trillions of dollars.”
She concluded by urging Congress to reassert its authority in matters of war and peace.
“I stand with the majority of Americans who are tired of endless wars. It is time for Congress to assert its constitutional role and ensure that decisions about war and peace are made with transparency, accountability, and the best interests of the American people at heart.”