WASHINGTON, D.C. March 25, 2026 — In a pointed address before a House subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) declared that America stands at a “profound crossroads,” urging an immediate end to what she described as an unauthorized and costly U.S. military campaign in Iran and a return to diplomacy, development aid, and global partnerships.
Stansbury, the ranking member of the DOGE subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, delivered the remarks during a hearing on Tuesday. In a video clip she posted to X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday, the congresswoman highlighted the human and financial toll of the conflict, which began with U.S. strikes in late February 2026 under the Trump administration.
“It goes without saying that we are at a profound moment of global instability,” Stansbury said. “An unauthorized war in Iran is costing more than $1 billion a day, placing a staggering burden on our country, on our national budget, on American lives and fueling a global humanitarian crisis.”
She cited specific figures from the war’s first week: $11 billion in costs, 13 American service members killed, more than 200 injured, and thousands of civilian deaths across the Middle East — including over 175 children and teachers in Iran.
Stansbury criticized cuts to USAID and other diplomatic programs, arguing they have weakened U.S. global leadership, exacerbated humanitarian crises in places like Gaza, and undermined efforts to prevent conflict.
“These cuts are a moral failure for our government. They are also a failure for national security,” she said. “The United States has retreated from its global leadership. If we’re serious about our role as global leader, we must restore these programs.”
The New Mexico Democrat called for full restoration of funding for USAID programs, international peace-building initiatives, humanitarian aid (including to UNRWA), U.S. leadership in U.N. peacekeeping, and democracy-building efforts. She also urged congressional oversight of the administration’s use of military force in the Western Hemisphere, referencing actions in Venezuela and the humanitarian situation in Cuba.
Stansbury closed her remarks with a direct appeal that has since circulated widely online:
“Our country is at a crossroads. We can continue down a path of war, weakened alliances, and suffering—or we can choose diplomacy, democracy, and global leadership.
“Because more bombs don’t make us safe—people, partnerships, and diplomacy do.”
The comments come amid ongoing debate in Congress over the Iran campaign. Democrats have pushed War Powers Resolutions to force withdrawal, but one such measure failed in the Senate 47-53 earlier this month.
Stansbury’s statement reflects a growing chorus of progressive and anti-war voices in Congress calling for de-escalation as the conflict enters its second month. The Trump administration has defended the strikes as necessary to counter Iranian threats and protect U.S. interests.
Rep. Stansbury represents New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District and has consistently advocated for reduced military spending in favor of domestic priorities and diplomatic solutions. Her full subcommittee testimony is available via congressional records and the video she shared on social media.
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