Ex-Dem Rep: TSA Funding, Not Iran, Is ‘Imminent Threat’

Congress Criticized for Inaction on Critical Funding and Military Policy

Washington D.C. – A former top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee has sharply criticized Congress for its inaction on crucial funding matters and military authorizations, arguing that the immediate threat to national security is not in Iran, but rather within the underfunded Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Jane Harman, who represented California and served as the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, voiced strong concerns about Congress’s inability to agree on essential legislation. She stated that the real danger lies in the long lines at TSA checkpoints, where underpaid and exhausted agents could potentially miss security threats, leading to a repeat of 9/11. Harman expressed bewilderment that Congress cannot unite to authorize military force or allocate necessary budgets, warning that this ongoing inaction is fueling public anger and putting all incumbents at risk.

Debate Over Ground Troops and Strategy in Iran

The discussion also touched upon the potential deployment of ground troops in Iran. Former Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr noted that while the White House and Pentagon statements suggest an inching closer to such a possibility, key questions remain unanswered. These include the specific mission of any ground troops, their objectives, the duration of their stay, and whether their deployment could lead to fundamental change within Iran, its regime, or its nuclear ambitions.

Starr highlighted the difficulty in assessing the current state of the Iranian regime, describing it as a “black box.” While the Director of National Intelligence testified that the regime remains intact despite the killing of many top political and military leaders, its exact functioning and the whereabouts of the new Supreme Leader are still unclear.

“The idea of occupying Karg Island… the imminent threat is not this, the imminent threat to us, the imminent threat is the long lines, the TSA lines where some bad actor could easily get through because the TSA agents, those who unpaid and exhausted… And we could see a repeat of 9-11.”

Jane Harman, Former Democratic Representative

Public Opinion and Congressional Funding Gaps

Public sentiment regarding military action in Iran appears to be largely unsupportive, with only a small percentage of Americans backing ground troop involvement. Harman pointed out that Congress often gets behind military action only when a clear case is made to both Congress and the American people, a process that led to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the latter of which she acknowledged was a mistake due to flawed intelligence.

The debate also surfaced the significant financial cost of the ongoing conflict, with allegations that the war is costing a billion dollars a day. Harman stressed that sending troops into harm’s way without congressional authorization is “totally reckless.”

International Allies Hesitant to Join Conflict

Greg Myrie discussed the situation regarding Karg Island and compared it to past operations in Kuwait. He explained that while U.S. forces have bombed military facilities there, the oil facilities remain untouched, as their destruction would eliminate U.S. leverage. Myrie noted the logistical challenges of any operation involving Karg Island, which sits amidst a massive backup of ships, including oil tankers and cargo vessels.

The administration’s call for allies to assist in the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly been met with hesitation. Former President Donald Trump criticized these allies as “cowards” for not joining the fight against a nuclear-powered Iran, suggesting they are unwilling to help despite complaining about high oil prices, which he claims are directly linked to the situation.

Reasons for Allied Reluctance and Strategic Questions

Barbara Starr suggested that allies’ reluctance stems from a thorough review of past U.S. administrations and a lack of appetite for open-ended commitments without clear strategies. She questioned the Pentagon’s repeated claims of success, asking if hitting thousands of targets truly changes the strategic fundamentals on the ground in Iran or if the number of bombs dropped equates to victory.

The conversation also raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. It was noted that enriched uranium has not been directly targeted by air raids, implying that ground troops might be necessary to fully address the issue. Harman lamented the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear agreement, suggesting it was a flawed deal that should have been mended, not ended.

Call for Bipartisanship and Accountability

Harman placed blame broadly on Congress for failing to compromise and find bipartisan solutions, a hallmark of past congressional sessions. She argued that the current partisan gridlock is hindering the separation of powers and essential functions of Congress, especially during critical times. The idea of the President acting solely on his own judgment, without careful strategy or a competent team, is described as “terrifying.”

The discussion concluded with a strong call for Congress to overcome its divisions. The immediate need for funding the TSA was re-emphasized as a critical security concern, juxtaposed against the complex and seemingly unresolved situation in Iran. The lack of clear strategy and exit plans for potential military engagements in Iran, coupled with domestic funding shortfalls, paints a concerning picture of national security priorities and congressional effectiveness.

Source: 'Imminent threat' is not Kharg Island, it's TSA not getting paid: Fmr. Dem Rep. (YouTube)