[Updated at 4:30 p.m. to include comments from Gillibrand and Delgado.] U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, January 3, released a statement following the U.S. drone strike in Iraq that killed Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani. “Gen. Soleimani was directly responsible for the deaths of many Americans and our allies. But rather than making America and the world safer, President Trump’s impulsive actions have instead moved us closer to war. Without seeking congressional authorization or presenting any coherent or clear strategy, President Trump ordered military action that may precipitate another armed conflict in the Middle East..." In an email to WGXC late January 3, U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado called for Congress to be briefed immediately on the situation. He said, “Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of American service members and innocent civilians throughout the Middle East — he met the fate he deserved. That said, last night the Administration took an enormous and escalatory step in a volatile area of the world without clear coordination with our allies, Congress, or stakeholders in the region, and with no explanation for how it will manage the inevitable repercussions. Moving forward, I have serious questions about how the Administration plans to keep our men and women in uniform and diplomats serving across the region safe, and avoid the march to another costly war in the Middle East. ...” Chris McKenna is reporting at The Fray U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney said, "... As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I will be seeking a classified briefing at the soonest opportunity to better understand the President’s rationale for ordering this killing as well as the Administration’s planning for the inevitable repercussions, the potential for a major conflict, and the immediate threats to our personnel and partners in the region.” Congressman Paul Tonko likewise issued a statement saying he was deeply disturbed the action taken. “...The American people do not want another costly and unnecessary conflict in the Middle East, but this drone strike brings us closer to that outcome. The Administration should immediately brief Congress on its long-term strategy, including its plan to protect Americans, in the region," the Amsterdam Democrat said.