Gov. Newsom, California lawmakers react to major attack on Iran

The United States and Israel launched a major attack against Iran on Saturday, with strikes hitting at least 24 provinces.In response, Iran fired missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.The attack follows increased pressure from President Donald Trump and recent movement of American warships into the region, as Trump calls for constraints on Iran’s nuclear program. Follow updates here.As of Saturday, more than 80 people were reported killed and dozens wounded at a girls’ school in southern Iran in the Israeli-U.S. strikes, the local governor told the Iranian state TV. NBC reports local media sources say the death toll has risen to more than 200 people, and hundreds more have been injured. The U.S. military reports there have been no American casualties. The Sacramento region has seen multiple protests in recent months calling for U.S support for regime change in Iran, as the country’s own citizens engage in massive protests. Since the news of the strikes broke, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and members of Congress have reacted, offering both support for the attack and criticism of the lack of congressional involvement. | RELATED READ | World leaders react to Iran strikesBelow are statements from California politicians:Gov. Gavin Newsom”The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go. But that does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people. President Trump is putting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home. As this unfolds, California stands with the Iranian-American community in our state, recognizing they have many friends and loved ones who have fought bravely to chart their own future to end decades of state violence and denial of basic rights.”Sen. Adam Schiff”Trump is drawing our country into yet another foreign war that Americans don’t want and Congress has not authorized. The Iranian regime is a brutal and murderous dictatorship. But that does not give Trump the authority to unilaterally initiate a war of choice. Congress should immediately return to vote on the Kaine Paul Schiff Schumer War Powers Resolution.”Sen. Alex Padilla”This decision to strike Iran without Congressional approval stands in stark contrast to a President who promised to put Americans first and end foreign wars. At a time when millions of hardworking families face higher costs of living and skyrocketing health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires, Donald Trump is now pushing the country toward a war that risks American lives without presenting a clear justification to the American people or any plan to prevent escalation and chaos in the region.”“The Iranian regime has oppressed its own people, and its state sponsored terrorism and nuclear ambitions pose significant risks to the safety of Americans and regional stability. We must work with our allies to counter those threats. Regardless of what the President may think or say, he does not enjoy a blank check to launch large-scale military operations without a clear strategy, without any transparency or public debate, and not without Congressional approval.”“The Constitution is clear, and Republican members of Congress must join us in holding this administration accountable and restoring Congress’s role in foreign policy.” Rep. Ami Bera “As a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, I was not briefed by the Administration in advance of these strikes on Iran. The Administration has not presented a clear case to the American people, and it did not seek authorization from Congress.”“President Trump’s own statement makes clear this is an act of war. The President himself warned that ‘the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.’ Any decision that puts the lives of our servicemembers in harm’s way demands the highest level of scrutiny, deliberation, and careful planning.”“The Administration must immediately come to Congress to brief Members on its legal rationale, objectives, and exit strategy.”“We must also remain clear-eyed about the brutality of the Iranian regime, which has killed thousands of its own people in recent weeks. I continue to stand with the Iranian people as they seek freedom from this oppressive regime and the ability to determine their own future. But any regime change efforts initiated by the United States will require rebuilding institutions and sustained support. This cannot be done overnight. We must learn from past failures to avoid another open-ended entanglement in the Middle East.”“Next week, the House will vote on a War Powers Resolution on Iran. I will support that resolution.”“I am praying for the safety of our servicemembers and for the protection of all innocent civilians.” Rep. Doris Matsui“This is an illegal and irrational attack. The President is risking American lives and dragging us toward a broader conflict with no clear strategy and no clear end. Americans do not want this war.”“I condemn the Iranian regime. For decades, it has denied its people basic rights, imprisoned and tortured its own citizens, and fueled violence through terrorist proxies. The United States must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But lasting change must come from within—and U.S. military intervention would only further destabilize the region.”“Let me be clear: only Congress has the authority to declare war,” Matsui continued. “When the House reconvenes, we will vote on a War Powers resolution to condemn this attack and reassert Congress’ constitutional role. I will support it. I will continue working to hold the President accountable for this reckless abuse of power. Our country and the world deserve better.”Rep. Mike Thompson“In the dead of night, President Trump started an unauthorized, unconstitutional war with Iran. As a combat veteran, I know the terrible realities of war and I am deeply opposed to any unprovoked strikes carried out without Congressional authorization — authorization that is explicitly required by our constitution.””America is going into this war alone with Israel and this president is putting U.S. troops and the entire region at risk. Not to mention the President told our nation that he destroyed Iran’s nuclear program completely last year, and is now citing the need to destroy Iran’s nuclear program as an excuse for his latest strikes. Either he was lying then, or he is lying now. We won’t go to war in the Middle East over lies once again.” “I demand that Speaker Johnson re-convene the House and hold a vote to put every single member on record and to pass a War Powers resolution to stop this war. It’s unacceptable that members are home in their districts when we should be on the House floor taking action now.”Rep. John Garamendi “Once again, in direct violation of the United States Constitution, President Donald Trump has ordered attacks against Iran without congressional authorization. This marks the second instance this year in which the President has undertaken military action without the approval of Congress, an action that should concern all Americans.””For decades the Iranian regime has violated human rights, created chaos in the Middle East, and supported terrorism around the world. But the decision to attack another nation without clearly articulating the legal justification, strategic objectives, and anticipated consequences to Congress and the American people runs counter to the constitutional framework established by our Founders. As with the removal of Maduro, these strikes raise serious and fundamental questions: What is the strategy to promote stability and democratic governance in Iran? How can such objectives be achieved without the deployment of American ground forces or significant escalation? Most importantly, what is the President’s plan?”I am deeply concerned that there is no strategy and that this action risks drawing the United States into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East, exactly at odds with the wishes of the American people and the promises made by the President. Trump has once again risked pulling the United States into a Middle East war and put thousands of servicemembers at risk. While we all hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Iranian people, there is a substantial risk that further escalation could destabilize the region and lead to broader conflict.”This is a critical and dangerous moment. The preservation of our constitutional system and our nation’s credibility abroad will be defined by what we do in this moment. It is time for Congress to act.” Rep. Tom McClintock “Let us pray that the hour of deliverance for the long-suffering Iranian people has finally arrived. Thanks to American leadership and our Israeli allies, we have taken an historic step forward toward the world’s peace and security.”See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

The United States and Israel launched a major attack against Iran on Saturday, with strikes hitting at least 24 provinces.

In response, Iran fired missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.

The attack follows increased pressure from President Donald Trump and recent movement of American warships into the region, as Trump calls for constraints on Iran’s nuclear program.

Follow updates here.

As of Saturday, more than 80 people were reported killed and dozens wounded at a girls’ school in southern Iran in the Israeli-U.S. strikes, the local governor told the Iranian state TV. NBC reports local media sources say the death toll has risen to more than 200 people, and hundreds more have been injured. The U.S. military reports there have been no American casualties.

The Sacramento region has seen multiple protests in recent months calling for U.S support for regime change in Iran, as the country’s own citizens engage in massive protests.

Since the news of the strikes broke, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and members of Congress have reacted, offering both support for the attack and criticism of the lack of congressional involvement.

| RELATED READ | World leaders react to Iran strikes

Below are statements from California politicians:

Gov. Gavin Newsom

“The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go. But that does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people. President Trump is putting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home. As this unfolds, California stands with the Iranian-American community in our state, recognizing they have many friends and loved ones who have fought bravely to chart their own future to end decades of state violence and denial of basic rights.”

Sen. Adam Schiff

“Trump is drawing our country into yet another foreign war that Americans don’t want and Congress has not authorized. The Iranian regime is a brutal and murderous dictatorship. But that does not give Trump the authority to unilaterally initiate a war of choice. Congress should immediately return to vote on the Kaine Paul Schiff Schumer War Powers Resolution.”

Sen. Alex Padilla

“This decision to strike Iran without Congressional approval stands in stark contrast to a President who promised to put Americans first and end foreign wars. At a time when millions of hardworking families face higher costs of living and skyrocketing health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires, Donald Trump is now pushing the country toward a war that risks American lives without presenting a clear justification to the American people or any plan to prevent escalation and chaos in the region.”

“The Iranian regime has oppressed its own people, and its state sponsored terrorism and nuclear ambitions pose significant risks to the safety of Americans and regional stability. We must work with our allies to counter those threats. Regardless of what the President may think or say, he does not enjoy a blank check to launch large-scale military operations without a clear strategy, without any transparency or public debate, and not without Congressional approval.”

“The Constitution is clear, and Republican members of Congress must join us in holding this administration accountable and restoring Congress’s role in foreign policy.”

Rep. Ami Bera

“As a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, I was not briefed by the Administration in advance of these strikes on Iran. The Administration has not presented a clear case to the American people, and it did not seek authorization from Congress.”

“President Trump’s own statement makes clear this is an act of war. The President himself warned that ‘the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.’ Any decision that puts the lives of our servicemembers in harm’s way demands the highest level of scrutiny, deliberation, and careful planning.”

“The Administration must immediately come to Congress to brief Members on its legal rationale, objectives, and exit strategy.”

“We must also remain clear-eyed about the brutality of the Iranian regime, which has killed thousands of its own people in recent weeks. I continue to stand with the Iranian people as they seek freedom from this oppressive regime and the ability to determine their own future. But any regime change efforts initiated by the United States will require rebuilding institutions and sustained support. This cannot be done overnight. We must learn from past failures to avoid another open-ended entanglement in the Middle East.”

“Next week, the House will vote on a War Powers Resolution on Iran. I will support that resolution.”

“I am praying for the safety of our servicemembers and for the protection of all innocent civilians.”

Rep. Doris Matsui

“This is an illegal and irrational attack. The President is risking American lives and dragging us toward a broader conflict with no clear strategy and no clear end. Americans do not want this war.”

“I condemn the Iranian regime. For decades, it has denied its people basic rights, imprisoned and tortured its own citizens, and fueled violence through terrorist proxies. The United States must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But lasting change must come from within—and U.S. military intervention would only further destabilize the region.”

“Let me be clear: only Congress has the authority to declare war,” Matsui continued. “When the House reconvenes, we will vote on a War Powers resolution to condemn this attack and reassert Congress’ constitutional role. I will support it. I will continue working to hold the President accountable for this reckless abuse of power. Our country and the world deserve better.”

Rep. Mike Thompson

“In the dead of night, President Trump started an unauthorized, unconstitutional war with Iran. As a combat veteran, I know the terrible realities of war and I am deeply opposed to any unprovoked strikes carried out without Congressional authorization — authorization that is explicitly required by our constitution.”

“America is going into this war alone with Israel and this president is putting U.S. troops and the entire region at risk. Not to mention the President told our nation that he destroyed Iran’s nuclear program completely last year, and is now citing the need to destroy Iran’s nuclear program as an excuse for his latest strikes. Either he was lying then, or he is lying now. We won’t go to war in the Middle East over lies once again.”

“I demand that Speaker Johnson re-convene the House and hold a vote to put every single member on record and to pass a War Powers resolution to stop this war. It’s unacceptable that members are home in their districts when we should be on the House floor taking action now.”

Rep. John Garamendi

“Once again, in direct violation of the United States Constitution, President Donald Trump has ordered attacks against Iran without congressional authorization. This marks the second instance this year in which the President has undertaken military action without the approval of Congress, an action that should concern all Americans.”

“For decades the Iranian regime has violated human rights, created chaos in the Middle East, and supported terrorism around the world. But the decision to attack another nation without clearly articulating the legal justification, strategic objectives, and anticipated consequences to Congress and the American people runs counter to the constitutional framework established by our Founders. As with the removal of Maduro, these strikes raise serious and fundamental questions: What is the strategy to promote stability and democratic governance in Iran? How can such objectives be achieved without the deployment of American ground forces or significant escalation? Most importantly, what is the President’s plan?”

I am deeply concerned that there is no strategy and that this action risks drawing the United States into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East, exactly at odds with the wishes of the American people and the promises made by the President. Trump has once again risked pulling the United States into a Middle East war and put thousands of servicemembers at risk. While we all hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Iranian people, there is a substantial risk that further escalation could destabilize the region and lead to broader conflict.”

This is a critical and dangerous moment. The preservation of our constitutional system and our nation’s credibility abroad will be defined by what we do in this moment. It is time for Congress to act.”

Rep. Tom McClintock

“Let us pray that the hour of deliverance for the long-suffering Iranian people has finally arrived. Thanks to American leadership and our Israeli allies, we have taken an historic step forward toward the world’s peace and security.”

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel