BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer are responding to U.S. military strikes targeting Iran, calling for congressional action and greater transparency from the Trump administration.
Hochul said state police are increasing their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites across New York following the overnight strikes.
“Following the U.S. military operations in Iran overnight, we are taking precautionary steps to protect New Yorkers. State Police are increasing their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites statewide,” Hochul said.
Hochul said there are no specific credible threats to the state, but law enforcement is on high alert. She noted the timing coincides with the start of the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Sen. Gillibrand, who sits on both the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, is calling for Congress to reconvene immediately. She is questioning whether the president has the constitutional authority to launch the strikes without congressional approval.
“I came to Congress in opposition to endless wars. Trump’s actions today risk exactly that again. Congress should return to session immediately to vote on a war powers resolution,” Gillibrand said.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said the Trump administration has not provided Congress with enough information about what led to the strikes or what follows.
“The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy. The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act. My prayers are with our brave American servicemembers,” Schumer said.
Schumer is demanding classified briefings and public testimony, and is pushing for the Senate to enforce the War Powers Act.
The Iranian military said it is continuing to assess damage from the strikes.
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