[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                  Iran

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, President Trump is working to 
defend the freedom of our country. He was right to take swift and 
decisive action to kill one of the world's worst monsters. Soleimani 
was responsible for the death and maiming of thousands of Americans and 
tens of thousands worldwide. He ordered the attack on the United States 
Embassy in Iraq. He had plans to kill more Americans.
  There are some in this body who are trying to curtail the President's 
authority to defend Americans and defend American interests. This is 
not only foolish; it is fool hardy. Our President does and should have 
the authority to defend Americans, period, but it is an authority he 
doesn't take lightly. President Trump is right to use restraint and 
avoid further escalation unless Iran continues their provocations.
  The regime in Iran--a regime that chants ``Death to America'' and 
wants to wipe Israel off the face of the map--needs to know that the 
United States will not tolerate acts of aggression against America or 
our allies. The death of Soleimani was a strong warning, but they 
should also know they have the opportunity to become productive members 
of the world community and bring peace and prosperity to their people. 
The choice is theirs. We all want peace, and the greatest deterrent to 
war is our economic and military strength, but Iran must make the 
choice for peace. It is a choice that is theirs alone.
  During this trying time, I want to pause and take a moment to 
remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. We often forget 
in Washington that the people carrying out the orders of our Commander 
in Chief are just that--people. They are not pieces on a chess board. 
They are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.
  I remember my father talking about his experience in World War II--a 
conflict he certainly had no expectation to return from. He loved his 
service to our country but never forgot those we lost. I remember 
friends going to Vietnam and Korea. I have spent many hours sitting and 
talking with Gold Star parents. As Governor, I watched Florida National 
Guard units leave for wars in the Middle East.
  The cost of war is great. As Ronald Reagan said, ``Freedom is not 
bought cheaply.'' We should never forget that.
  I am praying for our brave men and women in uniform--some of them 
Floridians--headed overseas to protect Americans and prevent an 
escalating conflict, and I am praying for peace.
  These heroes put their lives in danger to defend our Nation, and we 
cannot thank them enough for their sacrifice and their service. We must 
recognize the dangers and threats that our world faces today, and we 
must always stand together united to defend freedom and democracy.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.