United States Representative Jimmy Panetta called on April 7 for Congress to return to session following President Donald Trump’s remarks about attacking Iran’s civilization.
Panetta said the president’s comments pose a serious threat and highlighted the need for Congressional oversight in matters of war. He argued that decisions about military action should not rest solely with the president, emphasizing constitutional checks and balances.
“The President’s threat to wipe out a ‘whole civilization’ in Iran is not just dangerous, it reeks of desperation and depravity. But this is the very real danger of an individual like Donald Trump having free rein over a war, something our Founders knew could happen and tried to prevent with our Constitution,” Panetta said.
He also urged Speaker Mike Johnson to reconvene Congress so lawmakers can debate a war powers resolution regarding potential conflict with Iran. “That is why I call on Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately call back Congress into session so that we can properly debate a war powers resolution and exercise our Constitutional authority over the Iran War,” he said.
Panetta criticized both Speaker Johnson and Secretary of Defense for what he described as inconsistent use of U.S. military power. “Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson has yet to stand up to this President and his Secretary of Defense who continue to impose the power of the U.S. military selfishly and capriciously without a coherent or consistent strategy,” he said.
He added that such actions endanger both Iranian civilians and American service members: “The President’s war is not just a danger to the Iranian people, but also to our U.S. military men and women in uniform. As we continue our efforts to stand up to the President and stop his war of choice, we must always stand for America’s credibility and the sanctity of our democratic values.”
Panetta has represented California’s 19th district since 2017 after replacing Sam Farr in Congress according to public records. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1969, is currently 53 years old, lives in Carmel Valley as reported by official biographies, graduated from University of California Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in 1991, and earned his law degree from Santa Clara University in 1996 according to his official biography.
