Senator Scott Joins Resolution to Condemn Iranian Military Proxy Attacks on U.S. Troops

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and 10 of their bipartisan colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning the increasing attacks by Iranian military proxies against U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Syria and emphasizing the urgency of responding to and deterring such attacks.

“We cannot stay silent while American troops and our allies are under attack from Iranian-backed terrorists,” said Senator Scott. “Without a clear and cohesive strategy to counter Iranian aggression, the Biden administration continues to place American service members and our Israeli allies at risk. Substantive action is needed to deter Iran and its proxies.”

“Attacks on American troops are reprehensible, and Iranian support for these attacks has rightfully earned a swift and forceful response from the Biden administration,” said Senator Coons. “I join Senator Cruz in introducing this resolution to condemn these attacks, increase pressure on Iran to cease its support for violent militia groups, and support efforts to deter Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. troops and the international community. I also commend the resiliency and bravery of American service members across the Middle East and hope this resolution makes clear Congress’ support for U.S. Central Command’s mission of countering terrorism and maintaining stability across the region.”

“The Iranian regime is attacking Americans, our allies, and our interests across the Middle East,” said Senator Cruz. “They are not only launching attacks and massacres against our Israeli and Arab allies, but their Houthi proxies are now trying to shut down freedom of navigation that is vital to the American and global economies. It is clear that they are not deterred, and it is long past time for the Biden administration to take all necessary steps to deter and counter these activities. Enough is enough.”

BACKGROUND 

American troops in the region have been targeted by Iranian proxies more than 115 times since mid-October, in the wake of the terror attacks committed by Hamas against Israel. Iran provides financing, training and other support to militia groups throughout the region, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In addition to targeting U.S. troops and infrastructure, attacks by Iran-backed militias have forced global shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea as a travel route, slowing down critical supply chains throughout the region.

Senators Scott, Coons and Cruz were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.).

The text of the full resolution is available here.