Tillis Warns on Iran Strategy as Shutdown Drags On

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a blunt assessment of Congress’s gridlock and the war with Iran on Thursday, criticizing leaders in both parties while calling for a clearer strategy from the White House. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Ripon Society, Tillis said lawmakers remain at an impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with no clear resolution in sight. He dismissed partisan finger-pointing, arguing Republicans are not winning the political battle despite holding power. 'If any of you believe Republicans are winning the shutdown argument … it’s not real,' he said. Tillis also criticized Democrats, suggesting they would avoid blame regardless of the outcome. Turning to foreign policy, Tillis warned that the administration must soon clarify its objectives in Iran as U.S. troop deployments increase. He noted the deployment of thousands of U.S. troops, including forces tied to North Carolina. Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) compared Democrats to Iran in the context of the DHS shutdown, calling their tactics a 'chokepoint' for political goals. Cassidy’s analogy was criticized as problematic, while others noted Trump’s refusal to negotiate with Democrats on DHS funding. Trump reportedly rejected a plan proposed by Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), insisting on 'no deals with the Democrats.'