San Antonio U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar Says Trump Needs to Show Immediate Threat to Justify Killing of Iranian General

click to enlarge Henry Cuellar speaks to reporters at a press conference on Monday. - Sanford Nowlin
Sanford Nowlin
Henry Cuellar speaks to reporters at a press conference on Monday.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar joined the chorus of U.S. elected officials demanding that President Trump declassify the administration's justification for the rocket strike that killed Iran's Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

"If there was an immediate danger, I can understand, but I hope the president will disclose that," said Cuellar, D-Laredo, during a Monday visit to the Alamo City. "You can't just say that's the case and change the [subject]."

Members of Congress have complained the White House didn't provide them with advance notice on the strike. They have also questioned whether the administration actually had evidence Soleimani posed an immediate threat to U.S. citizens — its rationale for targeting him.

During a press conference, Cuellar said Trump needs to be more forthcoming both to Congress and to U.S. allies given the gravity of the action against Iran.

"I'm hoping the president can be more cooperative," said Cuellar, who sits on the House's Defense and Homeland Security subcommittees. "My thing is the United States cannot be a lone cowboy and patrol the world."

Cuellar was in San Antonio Monday to discuss funding he secured for the city's military facilities in the recently passed defense spending bill. That includes $50 million to support infrastructure projects surrounding military sites including Joint Base San Antonio.

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Sanford Nowlin

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current.

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