Reps in the News: Jan. 10-17

Representative Mike Gallagher

NPR’s Michel Martin spoke with Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Marine captain who was twice deployed to Iraq, about that country’s vote to expel U.S. troops following U.S. airstrikes in Iran.

“Well, [in] my first class on Middle East politics as an undergrad, my professor said the fundamental rule in the Middle East is [that] things can always get worse. So yes, I’m always concerned about what will develop. And I think everyone should be concerned about what the Iranian reaction should be. 

“But we should also be confident that we did the right thing in taking out Soleimani, that we are the superpower, and Iran simply can’t match us if they choose to escalate.

“So while our position in Iraq is uncertain – and just because we’ve been in Iraq for 16 years, it doesn’t mean we have to stay there. I think a lot of my constituents would like us to leave. I understand where they’re coming from. But personally, as someone who served in Iraq and who served with a lot of fine Iraqis, I’d like to continue the partnership.”

Listen to the full interview at npr.org.

Source: National Public Radio

Senator Ron Johnson

Sen. Ron Johnson, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the following in response to the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani:

“Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, has been escalating its malign actions for years. It is time for Iran to de-escalate and end its terrorist acts and use of proxies. Americans will continue to support the brave men and women who have volunteered to keep us safe.”

Source: Johnson press release

Governor Tony Evers

Gov. Tony Evers sat down with WisconsinEye for a year-end interview.

“2019 was a successful year for our state,” he said. “Our budget was a down payment on the priorities important to Wisconsinites: improving our roads, supporting kids and schools, and expanding access to health care. We’re ready to hit the ground running in 2020.”

To read the complete interview, visit wiseye.org/2019/12/23/newsmakers-gov-tony-evers-2019-year-end-interview.

Sources: Wiseye, @GovEvers