Congressional delegations in Southern California responded to a US strike over Iran’s nuclear and military facilities over the weekend.
The strike late Saturday targeted three sites and raised the stakes of the Israeli-Iranian war. Iran’s atomic energy organization later confirmed an attack on all three sites.
See the following responses from members of Congress in Southern California: More statements will be added if available.
Senator Alex Padilla
D-California Sen. Alex Padilla criticized the unsolved nature of the president’s actions that bypassed Congress’ approval.
“Dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program is essential to America’s national security and is crucial to Israel’s security and the rights that exist,” a senior Democrat senator in California said on Sunday. “However, it is unacceptable that the President ignored his constitutional responsibility to seek and secure Congressional approval before commencing these strikes.
“Before further military action is taken, President Trump must come before Congress. It’s not just a matter of process. It’s a matter of law. Trump ignites a wider war in areas that risk America’s lives, putting his own repeated warnings at risk, and that’s why we must run out of all diplomatic channels and work together with allies and contain escalations.”
Senator Adam Schiff
Sen. Adam Schiff of D-California reiterated the comments of a Senate colleague.
“We would like to thank all the pilots for being safe and acknowledge the skills, courage and professionalism of all the forces engaged in this military operation,” Schiff said in a statement. “But that’s not an operation that could have been approved by the president before, unless there was intelligence to indicate that Iran had made the decision to break the bomb and build it.”
Where was the one night strike in Iran? Christian Cazarez is reporting an NBC4 News report on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 5pm.
Councillor Nanette Barragan
“Trump had no authority to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites without Congressional approval. He should have pursued diplomacy rather than escalation. He now faces serious risks of retaliation. This is not a way to protect America’s lives or interests.”
Judy Chu Rep.
In a post on X, Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena MP, called the action unconstitutional.
“President Trump illegally bombed Iran without permission from Congress,” Chu said. “This is unacceptable, unconstitutional and there is a risk of dragging the United States into another endless war.”
Senator Ken Calvert
In a post on X, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Palm Desert, said, “The success of Operation Midnight Hammer is a testament to the military’s ability to project power around the world thanks to the professionalism and the amazing executions of our service members.
“As chairman of the Defense Budget Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have invested heavily in aircraft, warships, weapons platforms and other technologies. May the military and God continue to bless America!”
President Donald Trump held a presidential speech on Saturday night to confirm that the military strikes “completely erase” three Iranian nuclear sites and called for Iran’s top leader to “make peace” or face further military action.
Senator Gil Cisneros
In a post on X, D-Covina MP Gil Cisneros said, “We need a diplomatic solution, not an escalation of tension. Our country does not want another infinite war.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez
Rep. Jimmy Gomez of D-Los Angeles is a member of the perpetually elected committee on Intelligence News.
“Trump’s unilateral decision to hit these facilities could lead the United States into a war with Iran without Congress’ permission,” he said. “Under our constitution, the power to declare war depends on Parliament. Period.
“He has chosen to launch this strike himself and knows well enough that it could cause retaliation and put America’s lives at risk. Now, Americans and Congress are left to deal with the fallout of reckless decisions that we had no role in.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is an oppressive and dangerous regime that supports terrorism, targets Americans, and silences itself. We should never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. It is a direct threat to our Middle Eastern allies, including Israel and Jordan, and peace and security around the world.”
“We must not forget that the people of Iran are not our enemies. They deserve compassion, dignity and the same human rights we fight everywhere.”
Rep. Robert Garcia
In a post on X, Rep. Robert Garcia of D-Long Beach said, “Trump’s decision to attack Iran while bypassing Congress is clearly unconstitutional and risks a wider, unjust conflict. The Intelligence Election Committee was not explained. It should have something to do with all Americans.
Rep. Dave Min
Rep. Dave Min of D-Costa Mesa has issued a statement on X.
Trump violates the Constitution by launching war without Congressional approval. Iran should not be allowed to be nuclear weapons, but Trump failed to assert a war against diplomacy, rushing us to another war without a plan in the Middle East.
My statement here: pic.twitter.com/hzmvakqvuh
– Rep. Dave Min (@congressmin) June 22, 2025
Rep. Brad Sherman
Rep. Brad Sherman of D-Sherman Oaks is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Attacks on Fordor and other sites have almost destroyed Iran’s ability to enrich uranium in the future,” Sherman said. “However, Iran already stocks up sufficient weapons grade uranium for around nine bombs. Only forced diplomacy can eliminate its immediate threat. Observe. Does Israel threaten the oil export facilities on Karg Island and the strategic and economic infrastructure on the ground of Iran?
“Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium is likely to survive and is soon dangerous. If Iran can rescue or rebuild a small portion of its enrichment capabilities, it could turn this stockpile into sufficient weapon-grade uranium with around nine bombs. Diplomacy backed by forced removal can eliminate the threat posed by nearby weapon-grade uranium.
“So, how dangerous is the 60% highly enriched uranium stockpile that Iran had yesterday and probably still held? It’s enough for about nine bombs when it’s enriched above 90%. It discourages that stockpile.”
Derek Tran
Derek Tran, D-Orange County, told X’s Post: “President Trump’s unilateral attack on Iran is another violation of the US Constitution without Congressional approval. This reckless action changes the focus from the serious issues facing us at home, putting American life at risk. The attack only increases and decreases the risk of wider regional conflict and global economic instability.
“We cannot afford another infinite war.”
Rep. Maxine Waters
Rep. Maxine Waters of D-Los Angeles called for a bombing equivalent to a declaration of war.
“I think Trump’s attack on Iran will be tantamount to a declaration of war to strike the three reported nuclear targets,” Waters said. “The president must come before the president for approval before the declaration of war, as the president must face members of Congress. This action by the president is typical of the president.
The agreement was closely monitored. However, when Trump took office he withdrew from the agreement.
“Under an agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan, Iran has vowed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for ease of US sanctions and other punitive measures. The agreement was in effect from January 2016 until it withdraws from the contract between the first Trump administration in 2018.
“Trump is out of control and has not contributed to establishing peace. Trump understood that he will consider his response to Israel’s attack on Iran and Iran’s attack on Israel for two weeks. He has not done so. This president must be stopped.
Sydney Kamlager Dove
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove of D-Los Angeles, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee of South and Central Asia, condemned Trump’s actions.
“The “President of Peace” has just bombed Iran without clear evidence that Iran has a nuclear weapon without proper notice to both parties to the Congress, without clear evidence that he has nuclear weapons,” Kamlagerdove said on Sunday. But I have
They had not received confidential information about information that suggests that Iran could misdetermine nuclear weapons. Similarly, President Trump and his incompetent national security team have not shown the American people the day after their plans and how they will manage the possibility of another eternal war in the Middle East.
“The United States should not be dragged into wider wars in the Middle East. I pray for the US military personnel who have now been harmed by Trump.”
Senator Young Kim
Orange County Councilman Young Kim, R-Anaheim Hills, expressed his support for the attack. Kim is the only Republican House member representing the Los Angeles or Orange County districts.
“Military target actions [Saturday] Kim needs to oppose Iran’s nuclear sites to stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and save lives.
Norma Torres
In a Saturday post on X, Rep. Norma Torres, D-Ontario, said, “Donald Trump illegally attacked foreign countries and put America’s lives at risk – our military, our families, our community. He bypassed Congress and the Constitution. Now Americans are not his recklessness.
Councilman Luz Rivas
In a Saturday post on X, Senator Luz Rivas, D-San Fernando Valley, called the strike “unsteady behavior.”
“Tonight we are thinking about the security of our military, our country and our world. Donald Trump’s unstable behavior is fraudulent and unconstitutional,” Rep. Rivas said. “It is my hope that this will not increase escalation and will not involve our nation in long-term military conflicts and wars in the Middle East. Congress needs answers in a classified briefing on why this action was taken, the potential threats that will result from this action, and the negative effects to be followed.
“Let us be clear: this is that Trump puts his ego before our troops, our Americans, our peace.”
Rep. Mark Takano
In a post on X, D-Riverside MP Mark Takano said, “Congress must bring back war. The President should not be able to unilaterally devote our nation to war. The Constitution is clear about the fact that it is possible to declare war rather than president.”
