April 10, 2026
Dear Mr Neece,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the conflict in the Middle East with Iran. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know your views on this important issue.
The Iranian regime represents one of the greatest threats to global security. Iran is the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism and is frequently responsible for human rights offenses. I stand with the Iranian people as they demonstrate against their dictatorial government and I will continue to support our regional allies, such as Israel, in their stand against Iranian aggression. Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah, continue to commit atrocities against civilians in Israel and throughout the Middle East and have launched attacks on U.S. servicemembers.
The government of Iran has long sought to destroy the state of Israel and disrupt stability in the region. On October 7, 2023, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, Hamas, launched an unprecedented assault on Israel. Over one thousand civilians were brutally murdered, including at least 33 American citizens. In addition, innocent women, children, and families have been taken hostage. Following those attacks, Hezbollah and the Houthis (also known as Ansar Allah), both of which are Iranian-backed, launched attacks against Israel. The Houthis also directly attacked American servicemembers in the region and disrupted commercial shipping through the Red Sea. Iran itself also engaged in direct missile and drone attacks on Israeli civilians on two separate occasions.
The US helped lead extensive negotiations with the government of Iran aimed at ending this conflict and shutting down Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Those negotiations failed to achieve their objectives, and on June 13, 2025, Israel launched an aerial strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and military installations. In retaliation, Iran launched numerous waves of missile strikes across several Israeli cities. On June 21, 2025, seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped a total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator "bunker buster" bombs at Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
On February 28, 2026, following another round of extensive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran. These strikes have targeted Iran’s offensive military capabilities and leadership. I am continuing to pray for our troops around the globe working to protect the United States of America.
As you may know, Representative Thomas Massie (KY-4) introduced H.Con.Res. 38 on June 17, 2025. This resolution would invoke the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
H.Con.Res. 38 failed to pass the House on March 5, 2026, with bipartisan opposition by a vote of 212-219. I opposed this resolution because I am concerned it would impede vital efforts to protect Americans from Iran's offensive military capabilities.
On April 7, 2026, President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran which is now in effect. Negotiations remain ongoing to resolve this conflict with the ultimate goal being lasting peace.
The United States must work to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and accessing funding to fuel its terrorist proxies, like Hamas and Hezbollah. I have consistently called for full transparency regarding any sanctions waivers issued by the executive branch to facilitate business with Iran. I also demanded thorough enforcement of our sanctions on Iran. You can read my letter here. I will continue to support solutions that will reinforce security assistance, ensuring Israel has the tools to protect itself and further our shared strategic goals in the Middle East.
Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts and recommendations in mind as I continue my work to protect the United States.
Thank you again for sharing your views with me. Please continue to stay in touch, and do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions, comments, or concerns.
On Wisconsin,
Bryan Steil
Representing Wisconsin's 1st District
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