Dem Lawmaker Slams Trump’s Iran Talks as ‘Sell-Out’

Dem Lawmaker Slams Trump’s Iran Talks as ‘Sell-Out’

New Hampshire Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander is sounding the alarm over upcoming talks between the U.S. and Iran, scheduled for Saturday in Pakistan. Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep concern that President Trump may be willing to compromise American interests at an unacceptable cost. She stated that the venue itself, Pakistan, is an unlikely choice for peace talks following a war initiated by the President just 40 days prior.

Core Security Concerns Ignored, Says Goodlander

Goodlander highlighted that the President has called Iran’s 10-point proposal a “workable basis” for negotiations. However, the Congresswoman strongly disagrees. “As I read these points, Ana, these are absolutely unacceptable,” she said, referring to the proposals. She believes they fail to address critical security issues, particularly Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway has become a major economic threat, impacting both American and global markets.

“There has got to be a resolution in which we see the Strait of Hormuz reopened,” Goodlander urged. She also stressed the need for progress on Iran’s nuclear program, specifically concerning highly enriched uranium. This issue was previously cited by the President as a reason for the war. Goodlander finds the President’s recent statements on this matter “deeply alarming.” She fears the President is prepared to “sell out the American people and American taxpayers at almost any price.”

War Lacks Clear Objectives and Oversight

The Congresswoman criticized the ongoing military campaign, describing it as the “most significant air campaign in modern history.” She pointed out that despite the deployment of the world’s most powerful military, the war lacks clear objectives and proper congressional oversight. “We haven’t had a single public hearing since this war began 40 days ago,” Goodlander stated. The Secretary of Defense has also not appeared before Congress. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to determine the truth about events on the ground.

Goodlander reiterated her belief that this was a “war that never should have been launched in the first place.” She is concerned that the President might make concessions in the upcoming talks that harm American interests. She feels the President should not be “selling out the American people” in these negotiations.

Call for Congressional Action Amidst Economic Pain

The Congresswoman has called for lawmakers to return to Washington to vote on another War Powers Resolution concerning Iran. She noted that six previous attempts in both chambers have failed. Goodlander questioned why Americans should expect a different outcome this time. She pointed out that the House of Representatives has been in session for only 33 days this calendar year, which she believes is unacceptable for a functioning democracy.

Goodlander shared that constituents across New Hampshire are feeling the war’s impact. “People who are feeling the pain of this war at the gas pump. They’re feeling it at the grocery store. They’re feeling it at the pharmacy,” she explained. She described an ongoing affordability crisis that prevents hardworking people from achieving the American dream. The war, she fears, has driven up costs for everyone and will continue to do so. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is seen as crucial to easing these economic pressures.

Urging Colleagues to Uphold Constitutional Duty

When asked about Republican support for a War Powers Resolution, Goodlander appealed to her colleagues’ sense of duty. “What I’d say is here in New Hampshire, I’m hearing and what I hope I will hear from my colleagues in Congress, which is that they did not vote for this war of choice,” she said. She emphasized that many did not vote for a president to launch a costly war that threatens civilization. She believes that if lawmakers are truly representing their constituents, they will vote to hold the administration accountable.

Goodlander concluded by thanking the host for the opportunity to speak. The conversation underscored significant divisions and concerns within Congress regarding the ongoing conflict and the upcoming diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Source: Trump ‘willing to sell out taxpayers at any price’ in Iran negotiations: Armed Services Dem (YouTube)