In 2002, I opposed a reckless war in the Middle East. In 2026, still oppose a reckless war in the Middle East.

I hold the same Senate seat that Wayne Morse did decades ago.

Senator Morse's legacy runs long for Oregonians as a voice for peace, oversight, and accountability. He was one of only 2 Senators to vote against the original authorization for America's escalation in Vietnam.

In 2002, America seemingly forgot the lessons that Vietnam taught us. I voted against the Iraq war — and I so wish my vote had prevailed. That was a time when we sorely needed more leaders with the foresight that people like Senator Morse once had.

The mistake of ignoring the not-so-distant past led to a country destroyed, thousands of Americans dead, trillions of wasted dollars (just before the Great Recession, no less), and a region destabilized.

Which brings us to today, when I fear we're about to make the same mistake again. Donald Trump — instead of addressing economic instability, reining in the surveillance state, or giving the country transparency on the Epstein files — has chosen to drag America further down the path of destruction by launching unauthorized and reckless strikes against Iran.

These strikes have already left 6 American servicemembers and hundreds of civilians dead. Regional partners are being drawn into the conflict. Oil prices are spiking. And the administration keeps offering conflicting answers as to the mission and endgame.

Oregonians don't want another senseless and costly war in the Middle East, and I will do everything in my power to prevent one.

This week, I will vote for a War Powers Resolution to constrain Trump's actions on Iran. Trump may "admire" dictators like Vladimir Putin, but the Constitution specifies he can't act like Putin and unilaterally start a war on a personal whim. The separation and balance of powers still exist in America, much as Trump may pretend otherwise.

In 2002, I rejected the idea that sacrificing American lives in the Middle East for "regime change" would make our country safer. My stance is no different in 2026. I urge folks everywhere to make their voices heard and demand a swift resolution to this crisis.

More soon,

Ron