Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Tensions between the US and Iran have de-escalated for the time being, but that doesn't have the area's congressional delegation any more relaxed.
Congressman Tom Reed says the taking out of Qassem Suleimani was justified. "Suleimani represented a direct threat to American citizens, men and women in the military and the taking out of Suleimani was the right call," says Reed.
He says Congress needs to act. "When our men and women are asked to go into harm's way and asked to risk their lives, the political cowardice of existing congresses of not going on the record of favoring or opposing military action is something I stand against," says Reed who insists Congress go on record. "I do believe Congress needs to go on record with any presidential request for military action, especially if it means boots on the ground in a foreign nation."
Higgins says the US is now negotiating with the Taliban, the same terrorist organization the US took out after its role in aiding and abetting Osama bin Laden shortly after 9/11. "Now we're negotiating for peace. There's no winning, and we need to do nation building at home," says Higgins. He says diplomacy is needed. "We don't know what's coming tomorrow, so it's important to engage in diplomacy, and that means diplomacy with your enemies, but no one is promoting going to war with Iran."