“American soldiers are in the Middle East fighting in the war with Iran,” said Lieu.”How many U.S.troops have been hurt in the Iran War?”
Ambassador Mike Waltz replied, “From the latest numbers from the Defense Department, I understand the number is over 100, but about 70 or 90 percent of those have come back to work quickly.”
Lieu responded sharply, “That number is wrong.
According to the Defense Calculated Analysis System, 482 American troops have been wounded.It’s not surprising you didn’t know that.The reason you are in your position today is because you were fired by the president from your former job as National Security Advisor—”
Waltz angrily countered, “The President has never said anything bad about me.”
Lieu continued, “You shared secret information that put American pilots in danger!”
Waltz replied, “That’s just your opinion for your next campaign ad.
I don’t know.”
Lieu said, “There was no spin in my assessment.
Waltz was removed as National Security Advisor after the SignalGate incident, where he mistakenly added the editor of The Atlantic to a private group chat about military actions in Yemen.It was a big security problem that could have led to deaths if he had added someone connected to foreign intelligence.He was given the U.N.Ambassadorship because he is very loyal to Trump.”
Lieu continued, “How many American troops have been killed in the Iran War?”
Waltz answered, “In these ongoing operations, 18.”
Lieu said, “President Trump has said Iran’s military was destroyed.
On March 16, he stated, ‘Iran’s military was literally obliterated.’ How is it possible that 482 American troops were hurt and 18 were killed by a military that was supposedly destroyed?”
Waltz responded, “The Iranian Navy, Air Force, air defense system, and industrial capability were greatly damaged or completely ineffective.
But this is a country trying to rebuild.”
Lieu said, “Talking about destroying the Iranian Navy and Air Force is like bragging about destroying their old catapults, horse cavalry, and ancient ships.
Their ships and planes were outdated, from the Cold War.Destroying them didn’t change much.Their real military power comes from their drones and ballistic missiles, which are still hitting American bases in the region.”
Waltz claimed, “This is a regime obsessed with nuclear weapons.
It still has missile and drone capabilities that attack its neighbors, including our bases.That’s a common-sense view.If you need more explanation, I can give it.”
Lieu said, “You need to explain to the American people how an Iranian military that was supposedly destroyed killed 18 U.S.
service members and hurt 482!”
Waltz claimed, “Seven of those died in a plane crash—”
Lieu interrupted, “Let me finish my question!
And has attacked multiple U.S.facilities in the Middle East several times.I’m going to show you a video from Jordan.This is an Iranian strike…”
The congressman played a video of a major explosion.
For some reason, the audio was removed, probably because Republicans knew the loud sounds of the attack would make it more scary — and show how bad this war is for the United States.
Lieu said, “Thank you.
I hope the Republican-controlled Foreign Affairs Committee knows how to use audio next time.But we saw the video, and it showed multiple missiles hitting the base in Jordan.Let me tell you what happened.Later it was revealed that two U.S.troops died in that strike from a military that was supposedly destroyed.”
Lieu continued, “This is what Donald Trump said.
He said, ‘The Iranians slipped something through in Jordan.And if we had other operators, it would not have happened.’”
He added, “Then he said, ‘When you let other people do your job — with the United States, we let other people do a job — and sometimes it doesn’t work out so well.’ So I’m going to ask you this question.
Do we still have American troops stationed in Jordan right now?”
Waltz tried to change the subject, saying, “Doesn’t surprise me that you’re referring to Al Jazeera.
In terms of your video…” “I’m here as the U.N.Ambassador, but I’m happy to refer you to Pete Hegseth, Secretary Hegseth’s testimony yesterday.Of course, we still have troops in Jordan.”
Lieu said, “In your opening statement, you bragged about doing a Security Council resolution on Iran!
So yes, Iran is in your job responsibility!Focus on it and focus on the troops that have been wounded and killed.”
He continued, “Don’t be so callous with the safety and lives of American troops!
I’m going to ask you again, are U.S.troops currently stationed in Jordan?”
Waltz weakly replied, “Try to get reelected.”
Lieu said, “I will.
November is coming for you and this administration.Are U.S.troops stationed in Jordan?It’s not even a trick question.Are they?”
Waltz answered, “Of course they are.”
Lieu asked, “And if Donald Trump doesn’t trust the Jordanians to protect U.S.
troops?Do you trust them?Who are we going to have protect U.S.troops?”
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