The resolution, put forth by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., would terminate “the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran” unless Congress declared war or authorized such use of force, or an imminent attack necessitated it.

In a statement, Stefanik argued that President Donald Trump’s decision last week to authorize the drone strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani — who she described as “the world’s bloodiest terrorist” — “was lawful under Article II of the Constitution and the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force.”

She echoed previous statements, saying that the strike “was an act of deterrence against current and future aggression.”

“I oppose Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi’s partisan War Powers Resolution, which limits the president’s constitutional authority as commander-in-chief and threatens the security and safety of our United States military and our allies.”

Tedra Cobb campaigns in Watertown in November. (Provided photo — Watertown Daily Times)

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Sanctions, NATO

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Tuesday night, Iranian forces launched short-range ballistic missile attacks on two military bases that house U.S. forces in Iraq in response to Soleimani’s killing.

In public remarks Wednesday, Trump announced plans to impose further economic sanctions on Iran and ask NATO — the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — to become more involved in the Middle East process.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., speaks May 7, 2018, at the Adirondack North Country Association office in Saranac Lake. (Enterprise photo — Peter Crowley)

Stefanik spokeswoman Madison Anderson told the Press-Republican Wednesday that the congresswoman agrees that sanctions are the correct next step.

“Iran continues to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism around the globe including targeting U.S. forces,” she said.

Stefanik also believes the country’s NATO allies must work together “to counter Iran’s growing malign influence in the Middle East and around the world,” Anderson said.

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No casualties

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Shortly after the missile strike, Stefanik tweeted, “Our #NY21 communities & the country are praying for our US troops deployed in the Middle East.

“Please join me in praying for our brave men and women in uniform.”

Anderson said Stefanik was grateful to hear that there were no casualties.

“She applauds our brave men and women serving overseas and is thankful for their service and sacrifice.”

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“Peace through strength”

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After the missile strike, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that, “Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.

“We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”

Striking a different tone, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that the missile strike was not sufficient retaliation for Soleimani’s killing.

Trump did not order more military action during his remarks Wednesday.

“Congresswoman Stefanik is strongly supportive of the United States policy of ‘peace through strength’ and the policy of deterrence,” Anderson said.

“The United States will always protect our troops around the world.”

Anderson added that, on Wednesday, Stefanik attended a classified briefing with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel on the drone strike that killed Soleimani.

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Cobb supports Iran sanctions

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Wednesday morning, Stefanik’s Democratic opponent, Tedra Cobb, tweeted that her thoughts were “with our brave service men and women in Iraq and around the world.”

On Thursday, she said she supported new economic sanctions with Iran and working with NATO.

“In order to achieve stability in the Middle East, the United States cannot act alone.

“I support working with NATO and our allies to find the best diplomatic path forward, together.”

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“Unnecessary”

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Like Stefanik, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., expressed her relief Wednesday that the missile attack did not result in any casualties to U.S. service members.

However, as she has previously, the senator condemned Trump’s decision to go ahead with the drone strike that resulted in Soleimani’s death.

“This crisis was unnecessary and avoidable,” she said in a statement.

“Without seeking congressional authorization or presenting a clear strategy, President Trump brought us to the brink of war with Iran.

“Furthermore, President Trump’s actions have severely damaged our relationship with Iraq, which has called for expelling U.S. troops, an action that would create chaos and enable ISIS to regain power.”

Gillibrand argued that Trump has made the U.S. less safe and that the crisis is not over.

“President Trump must not take further military action unless he notifies Congress immediately and obtains authorization based on a clear explanation of the goals of military action, our adversaries and the countries where our service members would be sent into conflict.

“The United States must embrace diplomacy and work with our allies in the region to de-escalate this situation and forge a lasting peace.”