Pennsylvania Republican voted four times to continue Iran war

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who represents Pennsylvania's 7th District, criticized his Republican primary opponent in 2024 for supporting regime change and bombing Iran. Mackenzie said those options would lead to a war with Iran and American troops on the ground there. He described the positions as "neocon talking points" during a March 2024 debate.

War powers votes Mackenzie has voted four times to uphold the war.

He has said Congress should not weaken the president's leverage by voting to end hostilities. He has also raised concerns about the length of the war and the possibility that it drags on indefinitely. In a March interview, Mackenzie said the United States needs to follow through on objectives while guarding against expansion beyond what can be achieved.

Spending and district concerns The district is among those targeted this cycle by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Mackenzie opposed a bill providing more Ukraine aid last week. A spokesman for Mackenzie said the congressman remains opposed to failed neocon foreign policies that started as bombing and regime change efforts.

The spokesman said Mackenzie is encouraged that military operations in Iran degraded nuclear and military capabilities, eliminated terrorists who targeted Americans, and secured a peace plan in just over 100 days. The cost of the war is estimated at $29 billion so far.

The White House is expected to request a Pentagon funding bill later this year that would address Iran as well as this year's targeted operation in Venezuela.