President Donald Trump should pair his military response to Iran with a clear explanation of the administration's objectives, while Congress should move quickly to impose tougher sanctions on Tehran, former Rep. Pete King, R-N.Y., said Sunday on Newsmax.
Speaking on Newsmax's "Wake Up America Weekend," King expressed condolences after two U.S. service members were killed and another remains missing following an Iranian attack in Jordan, saying Americans should remember the sacrifices being made by troops serving overseas.
"The loss of lives is a tragic price of war," King said. "Hearts and thoughts and prayers have to go out to the families of those servicemen and women."
"As we're enjoying our lives here, we have to be aware there are men and women all over the world, particularly in the Middle East now, whose lives are in danger all the time protecting us," he added.
King said he supports Trump's military operations against Iran but believes the president should continue making the case directly to the American people.
"I think it's important for the president to make sure he has the American people on his side and make as detailed a presentation as he can of why we're there, what we're doing, what the strategy is, and what the endgame is," he said.
King also backed Trump's call to add Iran to a pending Russia sanctions bill, saying the move should have happened sooner.
"Absolutely. This should have been done a long time ago," King said. "This could be Lindsey's final legacy and utmost legacy. If this bill goes through with Russia and Iran being sanctioned, it's a tremendous victory for all Americans and the world."
Former Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., said the military has sufficient resources to continue operations but warned Congress should quickly approve additional defense funding to replenish weapons and support deployed forces.
"We do have enough resources, but that underscores why Congress should pass a supplemental bill or reconciliation bill that would give the military more money to replenish the drone supplies, the missiles, and keep our troops fed and keep our troops in good shape," Kingston said.
Kingston said the attack on Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan highlighted the importance of maintaining U.S. military readiness because of the installation's strategic role in regional operations.
He added that Congress should ensure military funding continues without interruption.
"The House is in a good position. They're going to move something this week, and probably a continuing resolution to make sure that the military is funded," Kingston said. "Right now, it's not time for the president to have to spend a lot of capital getting Congress to do the right thing."
The lawmakers also weighed in on the appointment of Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, as South Carolina's interim U.S. senator.
King said Graham's close relationship with her brother prepared her for the role.
"She wanted everyone to know that she is not just in as a token," King said. "She's going to do all she can for the people of South Carolina and carry on in Lindsey's tradition."
Kingston predicted Graham would have a successful tenure, noting she has the backing of President Trump and will be supported by her brother's longtime Senate staff.
"She's got the full endorsement of the president, the White House, the people of South Carolina," Kingston said. "I think it's going to be a good combination. It's going to work out very well."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com