news

Originally Published in Newsweek on June 24, 2025

For decades, Iran pursued nuclear weapons while remaining the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world—two realities that posed a serious threat to the free world. President Donald Trump was clear when he called for the complete and permanent suspension of Iran's nuclear program, giving them 60 days to take action toward lasting peace. Iran not only ignored America's good-faith diplomatic efforts, but accelerated their weapons program instead.

When intelligence revealed Iran was weeks away from completing a nuclear weapon, our commander in chief acted decisively, and he called upon airpower to deliver strategic results. Operation Midnight Hammer decimated Iran's nuclear facilities, eliminating this imminent threat and sending an unmistakable message: America will secure peace through strength.

As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with over two decades of service in our nation's military, I've flown combat missions against the very terrorists funded and directed by the Iranian regime. I've led operations in the Middle East, shaped strategy from the Pentagon, and stood alongside our allies in NATO's air command and control center. I've seen firsthand the threat Iran poses, not just to Israel or the region, but to every American in uniform.

President trump it right: Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. That is not negotiable. Tehran's relentless pursuit of nuclear capabilities, combined with its sponsorship of terrorism, makes it the most dangerous regime on the planet. Many presidents attempted to end Iran's nuclear program, but none were successful until President Trump unleashed America's military might to finish what others couldn't.

I will always remember the Americans who never made it home because of Iranian proxies. And I know that strength—not appeasement—is the only language Iran understands. That's why Congress must act with the same fortitude.

The Republican Study Committee's Maximum Pressure initiative includes 10 bills designed to cut off Tehran's remaining funding, freeze their assets, isolate their regime, and protect U.S. interests. My Iran Waiver Rescissions Act freezes all Iranian-sanctioned assets and is a key component of this effort. Other critical legislation in this package—including the Maximum Pressure Act—sanctions terrorist groups, blocks sanctions relief until Iran ends terror support, counters Hezbollah's influence in Latin America, supports Iraqi independence from Iran, and urges our European allies to restore multilateral sanctions. Together, these measures represent the most comprehensive legislative response to Iranian aggression in decades.

Swift congressional action is not merely advisable—it is essential. The long-term threat posed by Iran to our forces is real and ongoing.

With approximately 40,000 American servicemembers deployed across the Middle East, the stakes could not be higher. I was one of them from 2016 to 2017 when I led combat operations against ISIS. In January 2024, an Iranian backed group used a drone to kill three American soldiers and injure over 40 others at a base in Jordan. Since October 2023, our forces have been attacked hundreds of times in the Middle East. In the days ahead we must stay vigilant and ensure that any attack against U.S. forces will unleash the full might of the U.S. military.

As chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I led a hearing following the October 7 Hamas attacks. We know the Iranian regime tried to exploit weaknesses on our southern border. President Trump hardened the southern border, but four years of weak Joe Biden policies left us vulnerable. The One Big Beautiful Bill makes key enhancements at the border and mitigates vulnerabilities that terrorists like Iranian backed groups could exploit.

This understanding of Iran's multi-faceted threat comes from decades of experience. While advising the Air Force chief of staff in the Pentagon during escalating tensions with adversary nations, I prepared leadership for meetings on the complexity of executing an air campaign within contested airspace. I served on President Trump's National Security Council coordinating defense policy and my war planning experience is shaped by over 300 hours of combat flight time. The flawlessly executed airstrikes that obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend are historic and demonstrate the unmatched power of our United States Air Force (USAF).

The threat environment is more complex than we've ever seen. The capabilities of our adversaries are increasing and that is why we must keep pace with our own weapons systems. President Trump was absolutely right to acquire the F-47 fighter, after Biden cancelled it. Airpower offers the strength and deterrence that President Trump needs and we should double our spending on USAF programs to remain strong against China and other adversaries.

I stand with our ally Israel and call on my colleagues in Congress to pass the Republican Study Committee's Maximum Pressure initiative bills to hold Iran accountable. My experience spans from the cockpit to the Pentagon, from the battlefield to the halls of Congress. The lesson is clear: this is not the time for weakness. This is the time for peace through strength, backed by American resolve and unrelenting firepower.