Senator Kennedy did not support sending US troops to Iran — CBS News

In the United States, Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said he does not support sending American troops into Iran, although, in his view, Washington needs either to resolve the situation around the strait or consider further escalation. He said this in an interview with Face the Nation, the transcript of which was published by CBS News.

Kennedy said he had not reviewed classified intelligence data. He called Iran's recent proposal to the US president unserious and supported continuing sanctions and the blockade. At the same time, the senator warned that sending troops to open the strait could lead to the need for a prolonged presence of US forces.

Prices and address to the public

According to Kennedy, the partial closure of the strait affected the price of oil and, consequently, the cost of gasoline. He said voters are primarily concerned about the cost of living, as well as the connection between the economic situation and events surrounding Iran.

The senator called on the US president to address the country or task Rubio and General Caine with doing so. In Kennedy's view, officials should explain to Americans why the United States began acting in Iran, why they believe they are winning, and what the exit from the conflict will be.

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Dispute over budget cuts

Kennedy also supported the White House's unilateral cancellation of nearly $1 billion in funding, which the administration notified congressional leaders about. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins said this undermines Congress's constitutional authority over budget funds and violates the law.

Kennedy disagreed with Collins. According to him, this concerns, among other things, funding for non-governmental organizations that, he claims, support illegal immigration, as well as funds for servicing foreign debt. At the same time, the senator said he does not believe it is right to apply such cuts to National Institutes of Health grants.

Separately, Kennedy criticized the spending of public funds on advertising that promotes the images of officials. He said this applies both to advertisements featuring President Donald Trump and to Kristi Noem's advertising campaign.