Columbia Standard

U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution condemning the increasing attacks on U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Syria by Iranian military proxies. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of responding to and deterring these attacks.

"We cannot stay silent while American troops and our allies are under attack from Iranian-backed terrorists," said Senator Scott. "Without a clear and cohesive strategy to counter Iranian aggression, the Biden administration continues to place American service members and our Israeli allies at risk. Substantive action is needed to deter Iran and its proxies."

Senator Chris Coons, one of the co-sponsors of the resolution, stated, "Attacks on American troops are reprehensible, and Iranian support for these attacks has rightfully earned a swift and forceful response from the Biden administration. I join Senator Cruz in introducing this resolution to condemn these attacks, increase pressure on Iran to cease its support for violent militia groups, and support efforts to deter Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. troops and the international community. I also commend the resiliency and bravery of American service members across the Middle East and hope this resolution makes clear Congress' support for U.S. Central Command's mission of countering terrorism and maintaining stability across the region."

Senator Ted Cruz, another co-sponsor of the resolution, expressed his concerns about the Iranian regime's activities. "The Iranian regime is attacking Americans, our allies, and our interests across the Middle East," said Senator Cruz. "They are not only launching attacks and massacres against our Israeli and Arab allies, but their Houthi proxies are now trying to shut down freedom of navigation that is vital to the American and global economies. It is clear that they are not deterred, and it is long past time for the Biden administration to take all necessary steps to deter and counter these activities. Enough is enough."

According to background information provided, American troops in the region have been targeted by Iranian proxies more than 115 times since mid-October. Iran supports militia groups throughout the region, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen, by providing financing, training, and other forms of support. These attacks not only pose a threat to U.S. troops and infrastructure but have also disrupted global shipping routes, impacting critical supply chains in the region.

The resolution introduced by Senators Scott, Coons, and Cruz has garnered support from a bipartisan group of senators, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Joe Manchin, Katie Britt, John Barrasso, Jacky Rosen, Marsha Blackburn, Bill Hagerty, Maggie Hassan, Michael Bennet, and Dan Sullivan.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

This resolution highlights the urgent need to address the increasing attacks by Iranian military proxies on U.S. troops and infrastructure in Iraq and Syria. It calls for a strong and cohesive strategy to counter Iranian aggression and protect American service members and allies. The bipartisan support for this resolution demonstrates Congress' commitment to deterring Iran and its proxies and maintaining stability in the region.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-joins-resolution-to-condemn-iranian-military-proxy-attacks-on-u-s-troops/