Kansas, Missouri lawmakers react after US bombs 3 nuclear sites in Iran

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lawmakers in both Kansas and Missouri are weighing in after President Donald Trump said the U.S. bombed three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Missouri's 4th District) said the airmen in the 509th Bomb Wing, based in Warrensburg, where the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is based, were "ready, capable, and lethal."

"Tonight, they showed the world what they can do to protect American interests and keep our citizens safe," Alford said in a post to social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base Friday night as Trump weighed his military options regarding an airstrike in Iran.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) released a statement on social media.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) expressed gratitude to the Air Force and their "successful mission."

"We stand tall with President Trump, who is protecting the world from a nuclear-capable Iran," Marshall said on X.

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri's 6th District) was critical of Iran, saying the country must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

"Peace through strength," Graves continued, while also including a screenshot of Trump's post on Truth Social following the attack.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe took to X to praise Trump and "our brave military" for demonstrating the "importance of strength in pursuit of peace."

Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas also shared his thoughts. He expressed gratitude for the "servicemen and women in the Middle East and around the world."

"Having spent time recently with Missouri-based Air Force bomber pilots and crews, I am heartened all are safe. I pray now for the safety of all of our servicemen and women in the Middle East and around the world, which should involve Congressional review and authorization before we enter into another extended conflict in the Middle East," Lucas said in a statement. "A recent generation of my family members and those of many other Americans dedicated service to regime-change wars in the Middle East that ended in instability, a lasting terrorist threat, lost lives, and changed lives for thousands of US troops. I beg Congress to use its authority to review and avoid those harms to another generation of servicemen, women, and American families like yours and mine."

Similarly, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Missouri's 5th District) raised questions about the constitutionality of the strike.

"President Trump's bombing of 3 sites in Iran was unconstitutional; only Congress can declare war," Cleaver said on social media. "I remain hopeful that the Iran's nuclear capabilities have been seriously weakened or destroyed. However, I'm concerned that Trump's actions threaten to trap the U.S. in an escalating conflict."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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