Romney, Lee, McAdams, Stewart, Curtis Respond To Soleimani Death

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. killed the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in an airstrike on the Baghdad International Airport on Thursday.

Secretary of State Mike Pomeo said Gen. Qasem Soleimani was killed during a strike meant to disrupt an “imminent” attack in the region, according to a report from CNN.

On Friday, members of Utah’s delegation responded.

Sen. Mitt Romney

Romney, who is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement calling Soleimani a “depraved terrorist.”

“Qasem Soleimani was a depraved terrorist who had the blood of hundreds of American servicemen and women on his hands, and who was doubtlessly planning operations to further harm our citizens and allies,” according to Romney’s statement.

“… With ever increasing challenges confronting us in the Middle East, it is imperative that the U.S. and our allies articulate & pursue a coherent strategy for protecting our security interests in the region,” the statement continues. “I will be pressing the Administration for additional details in the days ahead.”

Qassem Soleimani was a depraved terrorist who had the blood of hundreds of American servicemen and women on his hands, and who was doubtlessly planning operations to further harm our citizens and allies.

— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) January 3, 2020

Sen. Mike Lee

Lee, who has stated that acts of war should go through Congress, issued a short statement Friday.

“The death of Qasem Soleimani is a big victory for the safety of the American people,” according to a statement from the senator’s office. “As always, I am anxious to learn about the legal justification for this action, and look forward to being briefed by the Pentagon and the White House.”

The death of Qasem Soleimani is a big victory for the safety of the American people. As always, I am anxious to learn about the legal and moral justification for this action, and look forward to being briefed by the Pentagon and the White House.

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 3, 2020

Rep. Chris Stewart

Stewart, who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said he doesn’t believe President Donald Trump wants to go to war with Iran, according to a report from Deseret News.

“We want to defend America’s interests and American lives in the region,” Stewart said during a KSL NewsRadio interview. “It’s important to note we didn’t respond when they took our tankers or attacked the Saudi oil fields, but when they kill American citizens like they did within the last several weeks, we will respond and it’s important for the Iranian leadership to know that.”

I want to thank @POTUS for his decisive leadership as well as the brilliance of our intelligence & military forces. Soleimani was a terrorist who was responsible for hundreds of American deaths & creating chaos & instability in the region. The world is a safer place without him.

— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) January 3, 2020

Rep. Ben McAdams

“A terrorist who plotted against and killed Americans has received justice,” according to McAdams’ statement. “I share Utahns’ concerns today about what this action means for our men and women in the military who put their lives on the line to defend America and our freedom.”

McAdams called for the country to come together “not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans.”

“We must ensure there is a coherent and long-term strategy to protect the United States and to protect freedom abroad,” the statement concludes. “I will not put American soldiers in harm’s way without a clear plan and unless the risk is warranted.”

My statement on the drone strike killing of the Iranian general #utpol pic.twitter.com/IJ9Q60QNfA

— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) January 3, 2020

Rep. John Curtis

Curtis, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, tweeted that Trump “… acted decisively to protect countless lives including our service members, diplomats, and everyday citizens.”

…including our service members, diplomats, and everyday citizens. 🇺🇸 I expect someone from the Administration to brief myself and my colleagues on the @HouseForeignGOP Committee as soon as possible. (2/2) #utpol

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) January 3, 2020