WW3 Anxiety – Congress Doesn’t Know How To Stop It

President Joe Biden allegedly advised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu not to take revenge on Iran following the latter’s missile strike on Israel. Congressmen are now offering their opinions on what they believe should be done going forward.

Congressmen have differing opinions regarding the Israel-Hamas War, with some members of the president’s own party criticizing him for taking an overly pro-Israeli posture. Recently, Biden has called on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to let supplies into Gaza using tougher rhetoric. In response to the assault, Biden informed Netanyahu that the US would not be taking part in any aggressive measures against Iran, while reiterating his support for the Jewish state.

Divided members want the United States to keep out of it, support Israel, or promise to aid in a counteroffensive.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a critic of the Biden administration, concurred with Biden that Israel should refrain from taking revenge on Iran and denounced the strike. He declared his opposition to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which was escalating further into the region.

“I oppose Iran’s attack on Israel and believe that Israel has the right to self-defense against such aggression. On X, Van Hollen stated, “I also stand with @POTUS in wanting to prevent an even broader conflict that engulfs the good people of the area.”

Among the Democrats, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has been a steadfast advocate for Israel. He expressed his disapproval of the president’s guidance.

When asked if he agreed with Joe Biden or certain senators who have advocated for direct military action, Fetterman responded, “I do not agree with it.” “I just believe that in this case, we should follow through and support Israel. I disagree with what the President says.

Some members of the progressive caucus, which has been critical of the Biden administration, have raised concerns about the U.S. entering the conflict at a higher level.

“We cannot allow Netanyahu’s reckless escalation of the situation to pull the United States into a war with Iran. The anticipated and resisted retaliatory strike by Iran, which was also gravely incorrect, The caucus whip, Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX), stated on X that “we need de-escalation and looke for a diplomatic solution for the protection of all people, especially Americans.”

Thankfully, the US prevented much of Iran’s counterattack on Israel. What concerned me, though, were these acts that followed the Israeli attack in Syria—a wider conflict that involved the US. The head of the Democratic Caucus, Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI), stated on X that “everyone must stop the current aggressions, including in Gaza, with an emphasis on human lives, not war.”

A flimsy response may potentially be dangerous and heighten tensions in the area, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) cautioned.

Yes, there is a chance. However, I believe that a weaker response—from either you or Israel—carries a greater risk, as stated by Bacon.

He went on to say that Iran might think less of Biden and the US.

“In my opinion, it will only encourage Iran to escalate, as they will see our fear or weakness.” I believe they have noticed our current president’s weakness. He has also not answered with any vigor. He claimed that there have been hundreds of attacks on American personnel in Syria, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries. “And they will keep turning up the fire on America and Israel if they smell weakness.”

Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) stated that it would be improper to refrain from taking revenge.

Iran has been on the offensive since taking American hostages in 1979, and they have not stopped. Wenstrup stated on X that “any appeasement by the administration is not right in any manner, and their long-awaited, unjustifiable onslaught on Israel warrants a quick response.”

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), the speaker of the house, has promised to bring an Israel aid bill up for vote.

The Republican Party and House Republicans are aware of how important it is to support Israel. We plan to retry this week, and we are currently finalizing the details of that package. We are considering our choices as well as all of these additional concerns,” Johnson said to Maria Bartiromo of Fox News on “Sunday Morning Futures.”

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) stated that Johnson should provide the foreign package that the Senate passed, which includes funding for Taiwan, Israel, and the Ukraine. Johnson may suffer politically if he combines aid to Israel with aid to Ukraine, as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene may file a motion to vacate.

Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) stated on X that “Congress should be clear: no actions by Iran or Israel justifies a vote on the Ukraine omnibus the Senate demands.”