Republicans are shocked and outraged after their Democratic colleagues voted to block House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s resolution to condemn the Iranian government and support the Iranian protesters who are boldly demonstrating against the oppressive regime.
What a disappointment —Democrats just blocked a vote on a resolution supporting the Iranian protestors.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) January 14, 2020
This is not the time for partisan politics. This should be a time for the US Congress to speak with one voice to condemn an Iranian regime that kills its own people.
House Democrats blocked @GOPLeader's resolution in support of the Iran protesters. I applaud Leader McCarthy for trying to bring Republicans and Democrats together on this.
— Rep. Vicky Hartzler (@RepHartzler) January 14, 2020
Supporting a resolution so basic shouldn't be this difficult. The House is better than this.
Leader McCarthy's resolution does the following: 1) condemns Iran for killing over 1,000 Iranian citizens who were protesting their government, 2) condemns the Government of Iran for shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, 3) condemns the Government of Iran for repeatedly lying to its people and to the world about its responsibility for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, 4) calls on the Government of Iran to refrain from the use of violence, and protect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the leader's office explains.
The people of the United States support freedom and democracy, and we will always stand beside those who seek it.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) January 14, 2020
Here is the full text of my resolution supporting the protestors in Iran. I expect the full House to vote on it this week. pic.twitter.com/nFk25Gjj4P
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been sky high in the past few weeks. Iranian terror leader Qassem Soleimani helped orchestrate attacks on coalition bases in Iraq that killed a U.S. contractor and injured several others, and helped plan the attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. After Trump ordered the airstrike that killed Soleimani, Iran retaliated by striking more bases. It also admitted that it "unintentionally" shot down the Ukrainian plane with a missile. The Trump administration announced new severe economic sanctions against Iran last week.
"The Iranian people - and the whole world - need to know that America stands with those who stand for freedom, and it’s pathetic that Democrats have refused to lend their support," said Mark Bednar, McCarthy's Strategic Communications Director.
In the meantime, days after the House voted to curb President Trump's power in Iran, the Senate appears poised to do the same.
Schumer says Kaine has the 51 votes to pass resolution reining in Trump on Iran. Timing tbd
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) January 14, 2020