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[ad_1] On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:

Sen. Tom Cotton, Republican of ArkansasSens. Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, and Lindsey Graham, Republican of South CarolinaSen. Alex Padilla, Democrat of California Click on right here to browse full transcripts from 2025 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."

MARGARET BRENNAN: I am Margaret Brennan in Washington.

And this week on Face the Nation: The stunning shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers spark new fears of political violence.

And within the escalating struggle between Israel and Iran, can the U.S. keep away from additional involvement?

An enormous manhunt is underway after a gunman authorities say posed as a police officer shot two Minnesota lawmakers, killing one and injuring one other, forsaking a listing of different lawmakers to focus on. We can have the most recent.

Los Angeles remains to be the epicenter of protest and unrest following the White Home mandate to ramp up deportations of individuals within the nation illegally. Will the president's softening of that order ease the scenario?

We are going to discuss with California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla. He was briefly detained himself following an try and interrupt Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem's press convention in Los Angeles final week.

Because the back-and-forth between Israel and Iran picks up in its depth, with no sign of ending, is there any technique to de-escalate tensions within the Mideast earlier than the scenario worsens? The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Tom Cotton, will probably be right here.

Then, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal will seem collectively to speak about their bipartisan effort to punish Russia with sanctions, as that nation continues their bombardment of Ukraine.

It is all simply forward on Face the Nation.

Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.

The streets of Washington are quiet following yesterday's parade celebrating the Military's 250th birthday, simply certainly one of many milestones we will probably be honoring as we get nearer to marking America's personal 250th subsequent yr. President Trump celebrated his 79th birthday with a rousing appreciation of our armed forces, though the occasion itself was considerably subdued, amid criticism of elevated politicization of the navy.

(Start VT)

DONALD TRUMP (President of the USA): Irrespective of the chance, regardless of the obstacles, our warriors will cost into battle, they may plunge into the crucible of fireplace, and they're going to seize the crown of victory.

(Finish VT)

MARGARET BRENNAN: The obstacles this nation faces at this time proceed to develop, notably these exacerbated by the widening divide amongst Individuals.

Because the Military was marching down Structure Avenue yesterday, dozens of organized protests of the president and his insurance policies as a part of the No King motion had been held throughout the nation.

We can have extra on these protests later within the broadcast, however we start at this time with a stunning act of political violence that's nonetheless unfolding simply outdoors of Minneapolis.

CBS Information correspondent Lilia Luciano has the most recent from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

(Start VT)

LILIA LUCIANO (voice-over): The manhunt in Minneapolis entered its second day. The FBI is providing a $50,000 reward for info resulting in the arrest of 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, accused in what Governor Tim Walz known as a politically motivated assassination of Minnesota State Consultant Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, Saturday morning.

GOVERNOR TIM WALZ (D-Minnesota): This was an act of focused political violence.

LILIA LUCIANO: Hours earlier, State Senator John Hoffman and his spouse had been additionally shot a number of occasions at their house in close by Champlin. The 2 are recovering in a hospital.

Boelter is listed because the director of a personal safety firm. Information present he served on a state board with Senator Hoffman. This picture from the state senator's house safety digital camera seems to point out the suspect sporting a full face masks, what seems like a police uniform, and tactical vest. This occurred at round 2:00 a.m.

Round 2.5 hours later, throughout a precautionary security examine at Consultant Hortman's house, officers noticed the suspect strolling out the entrance door. He opened hearth after which ran away. Police say he left behind a automotive geared up with flashing white and yellow lights and a police license plate.

Inside had been leaflets studying "No Kings," a manifesto itemizing greater than 50 attainable targets, together with abortion clinics, pro-abortion rights advocates, and different lawmakers from states past Minnesota.

(Finish VT)

LILIA LUCIANO: A person who shared a house with a suspect instructed reporters that he is a Christian, that he doesn't like abortion, however that he did not appear actually offended about politics, no less than not recently.

He additionally shared a textual content message he says the suspect despatched him on Saturday morning, which learn: "I will be gone for some time, and I could also be lifeless shortly" – Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Lilia Luciano in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, thanks.

And we flip now with what started Thursday as an Israeli assault on Iran with a view to debilitate Iran's nuclear program. And the back-and-forth between the 2 nations continues to accentuate, threatening an already unstable area.

Our Debora Patta is in Tel Aviv with the most recent.

DEBORA PATTA: The battle between Israel and Iran is in uncharted territory, because the escalating tensions enter their fourth day, with the 2 rivals every warning, there's worse to come back.

(Start VT)

DEBORA PATTA (voice-over): In a single day, wave after wave of Iranian drones bearing down on Tel Aviv. Most had been intercepted. Those who obtained by destroyed houses and retailers.

Israel was fast to retaliate, focusing on an oil refinery and hitting buildings in Tehran. There have been casualties on either side. No less than 12 Israelis had been killed this weekend, however that toll was dwarfed by the harm Israel inflicted on Iran, with nearly 100 civilian deaths, almost 30 of them kids, and the assassination of prime navy commanders and scientists.

The shock Israeli strikes started on Thursday. Israel needs to cripple Iran's nuclear functionality, already hitting 4 main services, Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Fordow, in addition to key vitality websites. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu isn't completed but.

(PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

DEBORA PATTA: "What they've felt up to now," he stated, "is nothing in comparison with what's coming."

(SIRENS BLARING)

DEBORA PATTA: However Iran has warned of a much more ferocious response if Israel doesn't again down.

One other casualty, nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington scheduled for at this time. These have been postponed indefinitely.

Zohar Palti is the previous director of Mossad intelligence.

So, are Israel and Iran at struggle?

ZOHAR PALTI (Former Mossad Intelligence Director): Sure.

DEBORA PATTA: Unequivocally?

ZOHAR PALTI: Positively.

DEBORA PATTA: However beginning a struggle is one factor; ending it's a lot tougher.

ZOHAR PALTI: Little question that, with out the Individuals, with out President Trump, nothing will probably be over, over right here. And when the American will resolve, sufficient is sufficient, whether or not with us or whether or not with the Iranians or with or with out, they've the power to finish it.

(Finish VT)

DEBORA PATTA: Not solely is Netanyahu putting Iran. He's additionally interesting to the hearts and minds of Iranians, hinting at regime change and urging them to face up for his or her freedom.

MARGARET BRENNAN: That is our Debora Patta in Tel Aviv.

Thanks.

And the battle between Israel and Iran has undermined President Trump's efforts to barter instantly with Iran on a nuclear deal. In a single day, he vowed in a social media put up that, if the U.S. was attacked in any method by Iran, that the – quote – "full power and may of U.S. armed forces would come down at ranges by no means seen earlier than," after which seemingly provided to barter a deal between Iran and Israel.

We go now to Holly Williams, who's at Iran's border with Iraq.

HOLLY WILLIAMS: Right here within the Center East, Iran has accused the U.S. of being complicit in Israel's assault and has threatened to focus on American navy bases and ships if the U.S. blocks Iranian strikes on Israel.

However the U.S. has already completed that with air protection techniques and a warship, in response to a U.S. navy official. There are round 40,000 American troops within the Center East, a robust presence that goals to guard U.S. pursuits, together with commerce routes.

But when Iran did attempt to strike American forces, the roughly 2,500 U.S. troops right here in Iraq could possibly be the obvious goal, since they're proper subsequent door. Iran beforehand focused U.S. forces in Iraq with ballistic missiles again in 2020 in retaliation for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Pressure.

No U.S. service members had been killed on that event. Since then, a collection of shifts has reshaped the Center East and weakened Iran and its proxies, the struggle in Gaza, Israel's decimation of the management of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the collapse of the Syrian regime, and now Israel's shock assault.

If Iran does goal American forces this time, it will be extraordinarily dangerous, as a result of it is going to seemingly draw a pointy response from the U.S., when Iran is already underneath assault.

MARGARET BRENNAN: That is Holly Williams reporting from the Iraq-Iran border.

And we're joined now in Washington by Senator Tom Cotton, who's the chairman of the Intelligence Committee.

Good morning, and Blissful Father's Day to you.

SENATOR TOM COTTON (R-Arkansas): Thanks, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, I do know you're staying on prime of all these occasions.

In the case of what President Trump has stated publicly, he appears to be indicating not simply that the U.S. had nothing to do with the assault on Iran, however he is saying this isn't America's battle until Iran hits the U.S.

Ought to it's such a shiny line?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, what the president stated in his in a single day put up was a transparent message to the ayatollahs, that, when you hit America in any method, whether or not our troops or our residents or our ships, as an example, then you are going to really feel the total pressure and power of the U.S. navy in a method nobody's ever seen.

That is a transparent deterrent message, setting apart the risk that the nuclear program poses to Israel and to the USA, as a result of, let's keep in mind, the Iranian regime has been terrorizing Individuals. It is killed 1000's of Individuals. It is taken them hostage. It nonetheless chants "Dying to America." And it is constructing missiles that may strike not simply our troops or our mates within the area, however quickly sufficient right here in the USA as properly.

And that is why President Trump has been constant for his 10 years in political life that we can not enable Iran to have a nuclear weapon. We can not enable them to have a path to a nuclear weapon with uranium enrichment. That is the deal that he was attempting to barter for the final two months.

However, as he stated early final week, Iran was just too cussed. They weren't prepared to come back to the desk and negotiate. And I've to disagree with the reporter who stated that Israel strikes in Iran ended these negotiations. It was Iran's – Iran's stubbornness that ended them.

President Trump was clear about that. And he's nonetheless clear that there's time, in the event that they wish to come again to barter an finish to the uranium enrichment program, that he would settle for that. However he is given them probability after probability, as he stated.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However, when it comes to the road he is drawing on navy pressure, ought to the U.S. involvement be purely defensive and deterrent, or ought to the U.S. be prepared to be engaged in these navy operations?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, I do not suppose he is drawn that line. He is been very clear that each one choices stay on the desk to defend our personal individuals, to help Israel…

MARGARET BRENNAN: He hasn't stated that.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: However he – properly, he stated that for 10 years, and he stated it for months main as much as this second.

He stated that Iran could make a deal and stay fortunately with out demise, or there will probably be bombing. So, I believe he is appropriately saved all choices on the desk. He made clear within the early days of this battle, on Thursday night time and Friday morning, that we again Israel to the hilt. There's nearly 700,000 Individuals in Israel at any time. So, in fact, we'll shield Israel, and that we've the most effective navy know-how on the earth.

And he stated that he has proudly supplied Israel with these weapons, each in his first time period and on this time period as properly. So, we again Israel to the hilt all the way in which. However he is appropriately holding all choices on the desk.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However he is emphasizing time and again, this is not us. This is not America. This is not an American operation.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: So, up to now on this operation, we've not been concerned in offensive strikes. We have been concerned in different methods, by our provision of Israel with weapons through the years or our protection of Israel and its residents and our residents in Israel.

Now, he has stated his goal stays the identical, which is Iran's nuclear disarmament. And he has stated that that may occur nonetheless by a deal. I do not suppose…

MARGARET BRENNAN: He prefers diplomacy.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: And he would really like Iran to come back again to the desk, I believe, now that Iran sees that Israel and America imply enterprise…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: … and give up its enrichment capabilities voluntarily. If that does not occur, although, I believe these strikes are going to proceed.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However to the purpose, if it is actually about destroying the nuclear program that Iran has, you understand this very properly, that there is this underground facility at Fordow, very deep, underneath a mountain.

It is lengthy been assessed that solely the U.S. has the aptitude with a bunker-buster bomb to take it out. Ought to the USA supply that type of huge ordnance penetrator to Israel to complete the job?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, I am not going to invest concerning the strategies that the USA or Israel may use…

MARGARET BRENNAN: However ought to they?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: … to guard our personal pursuits.

I'll merely say this. It's, as you say, broadly identified that Israel doesn't have heavy bombers. It does not have these 30,000-pound penetrating munitions. However, as we noticed with Hezbollah final fall, as we noticed in Iran on Thursday night time, when the Mossad had infiltrated officers and brokers and manufactured drones in Iran, Israel has various tips up their sleeve.

And I would not be stunned if Israel has different playing cards but to play.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, in the case of variations in intelligence assessments, the U.S. intelligence that was made public in March stated on the time the U.S. doesn't assess Iran's constructing a nuclear weapon and that the supreme chief has not reauthorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended again in 2003.

Was there newer U.S. intel sharing or intel indicating that there was some type of dash for a bomb?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely…

MARGARET BRENNAN: As a result of that appears a really completely different evaluation from what Israel's claiming.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, sadly, Iran enriched a variety of the uranium to close weapons-grade over the 4 years of the Biden administration. And so they…

MARGARET BRENNAN: However that is not weaponization. You recognize that.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: They're – they're near having sufficient pure weapons-grade uranium for a number of weapons.

Now, that is not the one step to having a weapon. You additionally must have the weapon design. We have seen indications that Iran is as soon as once more exploring these weapon designs. After which, if you wish to use a missile, clearly, you must marry up the warhead to the missile. However Iran has different supply strategies as properly, by terrorist proxies.

So I believe that is one of many explanation why each President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu thought we – issues that had been coming to a head. A second purpose is, Iran is quickly producing ballistic missiles, each medium-range to focus on Israel and short-range to focus on our troops, they usually add considerably to these stockpiles each single month.

And at a time when Iran is each persevering with its work on its nuclear program and attempting to rebuild its offensive missile capability, that the window to truly cease Iran from coming into that zone of immunity was quickly closing.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper, however why Thursday night time?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, as President…

MARGARET BRENNAN: There appears to be a distinction on this concept of a dash.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, as President Trump – properly, as President Trump stated on Friday morning, that he had given Iran 60 days to make a deal.

That was day 61.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And he scheduled talks on day 63. You recognize that.

I imply, this was a – this wasn't actually a tough deadline.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: He gave them 60 days. On day 61, the strikes started.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Day 63, Steve Witkoff wished to satisfy with them.

But when this was a covert race to weaponize, although, it – it raises questions right here, as a result of it seems President Trump's supply is to barter with the present regime that's in place in Iran.

Do you help a cope with the present regime in Iran to remain in place? Do you help his push for diplomacy?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: President Trump has at all times stated his objective is to finish Iran's nuclear weapons program…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: … which suggests the give up of its uranium enrichment functionality.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However this might offer them a lifeline, would not it?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Nicely, it will be defending our pursuits and securing Israel's pursuits as properly in Iran not having a nuclear weapon.

We have seen what occurs once they do not have nuclear weapons. They're intentionally focusing on civilian areas in Israel. We have seen their marketing campaign of terror towards Individuals over the a long time. That is why we won't enable them to have a nuclear weapon.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: And presidents have stated – for 20 years, presidents have stated that. George Bush stated it, did not act on it. Barack Obama and Joe Biden, frankly, aided and abetted Iran's nuclear program. Solely Donald Trump has drawn that line and is prepared to implement that line.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However he isn't imposing that line. It's Israel that is bombing. As you simply stated, the USA isn't concerned in these offensive operations.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: However, in – in Israel, we're serving to – we're assist…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you – however do you share the president's evaluation that the way in which to complete that is by negotiating with the present regime that the Israelis have known as for the Iranian individuals to stand up towards?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: I believe there's a number of methods to remove Iran's enrichment functionality. They're at this time what they had been Thursday morning, earlier than these strikes began. Because the president has stated repeatedly, they'll make a deal, or there's going to be bombing.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to transfer to some home points, however, in a short time, I do know up to now, you've got stated that former officers who've a direct risk towards them from Iran ought to proceed to obtain safety. President Trump pulled it.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: I believe we must always…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Ought to they get it now?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: We must always most likely revisit the risk that each one individuals face – keep in mind, President Trump confronted assassination threats from Iran as properly – on this second of stress, to make sure that nobody who labored for President Trump within the first time period or works for him now could possibly be the goal of Iranian brokers.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And that safety element was pulled by the president himself.

On immigration, the Trump administration has determined to drag again its coverage slightly bit. They're pausing raids on farms, lodges and eating places. Arkansas has a variety of agricultural enterprise in your state. Do you help this choice?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: I believe we have to have sturdy worksite enforcement.

I do not suppose ICE goes to point out up at one or two eating places the place they've an unlawful migrant working. Often, it is unscrupulous employers who've massive numbers of unlawful immigrants working of their worksites. And no matter worksite it's, no matter business it's, ICE has to have the ability to go and implement our immigration legal guidelines and take away unlawful immigrants.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However the president has pulled again from that. That was the change in coverage final week when it got here to farms, particularly.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: I do not – I do not suppose we must always – I do not suppose we must always pull again to any – on any type of enforcement in any respect.

I believe worksite enforcement in all industries wants to have the ability to transfer ahead. And I believe ICE brokers on the entrance traces want the help of political management.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You'd need extra enforcement, together with in manufacturing, together with in building, the place it may impression the economic system?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: We – we – we must always – we must always not – we must always not declare any business or any worksite that makes use of massive numbers of unlawful immigrants off-limits for enforcement of federal legislation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I additionally wish to ask you concerning the enforcement to this point.

As you understand, there was outcry. We have seen protests throughout the nation due to the enforcement insurance policies. You wrote an op-ed supporting President Trump's choice to ship in federalized Nationwide Guard troops and active-duty Marines to California.

You referred to it as "the risk from the unconventional left, an awesome present of pressure to finish the riots," and talked about communities being terrorized.

Given the quantity of stress within the nation proper now, is that basically the language to make use of?

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Sure, while you see left-wing road militias who're throwing bricks and frozen water bottles at law enforcement officials and taking pictures them with fireworks.

And, sadly, you've got mayors and governors in some locations that will not enable police to take care of order. The following step is to name within the Nationwide Guard. And if the governor will not name on the Nationwide Guard, then the president has to federalize them.

We at all times hope that the native police are allowed to do their job and have ample numbers to do their job to take care of order and shield harmless life and property. However, if they can not, or they don't seem to be allowed to, the Nationwide Guard must be on scene to revive civil order.

MARGARET BRENNAN: LAPD says they had been dealing with when issues turned violent yesterday. They fired rubber bullets, however they stated they'd it underneath management.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: The L.A. police chief stated final weekend that his forces had been overwhelmed, they usually could not handle the scenario.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Cotton, thanks very a lot in your time at this time.

SENATOR TOM COTTON: Thanks.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Face the Nation will probably be again in a minute, so stick with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: We're now joined by two senators in a uncommon bipartisan interview, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal. They're co-sponsors on laws to place secondary sanctions on Russia.

Good morning to you each.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-South Carolina): Good morning.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL (D-Connecticut): Good morning.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to get to that battle in a second, however beginning right here on the Center East, Senator Graham, you stated you imagine it is in America's curiosity to go all in to assist Israel end the job.

It sounds such as you imply offensive help.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: So, the worst attainable end result for the world is for the Iranian nuclear program to outlive in any case this. How do you destroy their program? By means of diplomacy – I choose that – or by navy motion.

If diplomacy isn't profitable, and we're left with the choice of pressure, I'd urge President Trump to go all in to make it possible for, when this operation is over, there's nothing left standing in Iran relating to their nuclear program. If which means offering bombs, present bombs. If which means flying…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Bunker-busting bombs?

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: No matter bombs.

If it means flying with Israel, fly with Israel. The worst attainable end result for the world is to take the Iranian nuclear program on and depart it standing. That will probably be a catastrophe.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Blumenthal, what's your view? How concerned ought to the U.S. get?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: Let's start with the essential proposition that should encourage American coverage, in addition to the world.

A nuclear-armed Iran is a unacceptable risk to the world, not simply to Israel, however to the USA as properly. And I help Israel's proper to defend itself towards this existential menace.

I am very involved proper now about United States personnel within the area, our service women and men, but in addition the civilians which are there. I am getting telephone calls from households in Connecticut who're deeply fearful about their kids who're there, concerning the hostage households.

I help the president's effort to prioritize diplomacy.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Let's discuss extra about this after the industrial break, so please keep right here with us.

And we'll be proper again.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: Should you're searching for extra Face the Nation, together with prolonged interviews and particular content material, you may subscribe to our podcast. It is out there on all platforms, together with Apple Podcast, Spotify and Amazon.

We will probably be proper again.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: And we will probably be proper again with much more Face the Nation. Stick with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: And welcome again to FACE THE NATION.

We return now to our dialog with Senators Graham and Blumenthal.

Senator Blumenthal, earlier than we get to Ukraine, I simply wish to tie up the Center East right here.

You recognize, the protection secretary was testifying to Congress this week, and he stated he is moved tools meant to counter drones in Ukraine over to the Center East now due to this escalation.

What extra is required to guard U.S. personnel?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: We have to transfer property. And we have completed so. Not solely to guard U.S. personnel, but in addition to allow Israel to defend itself towards Iran's retaliation.

However I believe that the president is correct to attempt to carry the 2 sides collectively. There's a deal that is attainable right here if Iran had been to desert its effort to construct nuclear bombs that endanger not solely Israel however the complete regional stability, as a result of all the opposite Arab nations are going to have nuclear weapons if Iran does as properly. However Individuals have no real interest in a eternally struggle. And so I believe we should be conscious concerning the precedence of diplomacy right here and convey the 2 sides collectively, in addition to defending U.S. personnel.

MARGARET BRENNAN: However, Senator Graham, the – the factor with diplomacy is that the Israeli prime minister is looking for the Iranian individuals to stand up towards the regime.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: A regime he says is looking for the destruction of his state.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: It does not actually look like there is a compromise there if it is really this existential. Is that this simply main us in the direction of the result you say, which is the USA getting concerned in navy battle?

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Nicely, this – I'd love for the regime to fall. Should you do not, if you would like this regime to remain in energy, you are wanting individuals to oppress the Iranian individuals. You need individuals to threaten their neighbors, to – to be the most important state – who needs the most important state sponsor of terrorism to remain in place? However regime change isn't the coverage of the USA. It isn't the aim of this assault but. But when there's one assault on an American anyplace within the Mideast by Iran, then you definitely'll get regime change.

So, what are we coping with? We're coping with a non-negotiable a part of the deal. They cannot have a nuclear program that may make a bomb. Diplomacy is most popular, as Dick says, however pressure will be the solely choice. And I stated as clearly as I can say, if diplomacy fails, Mr. President, President Trump, you have been nice, assist Israel end the job. Give them bombs. Fly with them if vital.

I can not stress to you the way – if you wish to get Russia proper, you wish to make China be higher, you wish to persuade worldwide terrorism we imply enterprise, you have to end the job with Iran.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, we'll see if there's any willingness to barter. To date, we've not seen a lot.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Nicely, that is a giant mistake on Iran's half. It is not on President Trump's. If we do not have notions, it is not due to Trump, it is due to the ayatollah.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Or – you may't essentially bomb somebody into concessions that they weren't prepared to make, proper? I imply right here – is there –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure, I do not suppose they've any want to make concessions.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: If – if Iran miscalculates now –

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: It's going to face the results. However there's a street to a deal. President Obama reached a deal. Removed from good. President Trump ripped it up. If it had been in impact, possibly we may have stopped the Iran nuclear buildup, which has occurred. They're shut to 10 bombs now. However there's the potential of diplomacy. Within the meantime, the USA ought to supply the means for Israel to defend towards this Iranian retaliation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And simply to make clear, while you say shut to 10 bombs, you imply they'd have sufficient nuclear gas? However so far as we all know, from the U.S. evaluation, they hadn't made the political choice to show that right into a weapon. We did not hear that from the Senate Intel chair after I requested that.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: What objective do you want – if I could, what objective is there for enriched uranium at 60 p.c aside from making a weapon?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Leverage (ph).

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Why do you've got 900 kilos of these things when you do not wish to make a weapon?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, you understand, the – the evaluation was they wished the leverage, proper? So –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure, proper, no matter.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to ask you concerning the bipartisan work you're each doing, if I can.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Yay.

MARGARET BRENNAN: By the way in which –

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: Lastly.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Iran and – Iran and Russia –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure. And we're bipartisan on this. We are saying the identical, truly.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And – you're. Iran and Russia work collectively.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: And, you understand, if I can simply add yet another level about Iran –

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: As a result of we'll speak about Russian sanctions.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: I believe we should strengthen sanctions towards Iran, which is a non-kinetic, a peaceable technique of exerting stress. I am hoping that maybe Senator Graham and I –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: I will probably be your wingman. We'll write the invoice proper right here on tv. China, when you're listening, cease shopping for Russian oil and cease serving to the Iranians. You'd make the world a safer place when you would cease.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They purchase it as a result of it is low cost, although. And so they –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure, they – properly, you understand –

MARGARET BRENNAN: And that – however proper now –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Nicely then, they need to play a worth for propping up Putin's struggle machine.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, positive.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: We must always crush their economic system.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.

So, inform me about that. So, with the – the sanctions invoice that you just all are engaged on, you've got a veto-proof majority.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You simply want the Senate chief to place it to a flooring and also you want the president to inform him go. What are you ready for?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: I believe the president ought to name on the Senate to vote approval of the Russian sanction invoice actually tomorrow. He is on his method tonight to the G-7 assembly. He will probably be sitting throughout from world leaders. Proper now, very bluntly, the notion could also be certainly one of weak spot when it comes to America's place on Ukraine. He will be there able of power. This invoice will move overwhelmingly. It has 84 evenly divided co- sponsored. It's going to get 90 votes on the ground of the Senate.

This second cries out for presidential management. There's an urgency right here. We have seen the neighborhoods decimated, individuals killed of their sleep, girls and youngsters shot at the back of their heads and buried in mass graves in Bukha. Youngsters who're kidnapped and re-educated, 20,000 of them, behind Russian traces. These atrocities are ongoing. And the individuals of Ukraine are bleeding and dying.

So, I'm hoping that the president will affirmatively present management right here and name on the Senate to vote. The bulk chief may do it tomorrow.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: Now we have some technical points to work out. However I actually suppose the second has come for President Trump to name on the Senate.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Graham, President Trump tweeted yesterday that he did converse to Vladimir Putin, who known as very properly to want me a cheerful birthday and speak about Iran.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: He stated they'll converse once more this week.

President Trump has put sanctions on Iran whereas speaking to Iran. Why will not he put sanctions on Russia whereas speaking to Russia?

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Now we have sanctions on Russia. He –

MARGARET BRENNAN: Not new Trump sanctions. You recognize that.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Simply – so, I discover it odd. So, my Democratic mates are holding him again in the case of Iran. We respect you attempting to do diplomacy. What am I saying? Do diplomacy with Iran till it does not work. What am I saying with Russia? I do not thoughts you – I do not care when you go on trip with Putin. I do not care the way it ends. I need the struggle to finish so we do not begin new wars. I need our – Ukraine surviving when the struggle ends. I need Putin to not be overly rewarded for the invasion.

To China, when you cease shopping for Russian oil, low cost, and India, the struggle machine would grind to a halt. President Trump has tried diplomacy. And I'll say this, I talked to him final night time, you have made very honest efforts to get Putin to the desk. I believe he is enjoying a sport with you and the complete world. It's now time to alter the sport with Putin.

I talked to President Trump final night time. Keep tuned. If we don't have a breakthrough quickly, I'd count on that these sanctions will transfer by the Senate and the Home. And to China, if you would like your economic system ruined, preserve shopping for Russian low cost oil. If you wish to be a brand new nation within the eyes of the civilized world, change your habits relating to Putin and the ayatollah. And till you alter your habits –

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: You are going to be seen as an issue, not an answer.

So, these sanctions are coming if Putin does not change. And to my good good friend Dick, you have been a fantastic ally. If we won't get the ayatollah again to the desk, it's now time to finish his nuclear program utilizing navy pressure, collectively with Israel if we've to.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely –

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: If we get Iran fallacious, good luck with Russia.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Blumenthal, the invoice that you just put ahead will put a 500 p.c tariff, as I perceive it, on imported items from nations that purchase Russia's oil, their uranium, their fuel, different merchandise. It will hit China. It will hit India. The U.S. can also be attempting to barter commerce offers with them. Is that getting in the way in which?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: I believe there's actually no impediment to our transferring forward with these bone-crushing sanctions.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Even when oil costs spike due to what's taking place within the Center East?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: You recognize, we at the moment are vitality unbiased in the case of oil, the USA. Europe has weaned itself off Russian oil. We visited with President Macron, we have talked to Chancellor Merz. Europe is solidly behind these sanctions. And we have integrated flexibility on this invoice based mostly on our nationwide safety for a possible waiver the place our pursuits are involved, unforeseeable or unknowably proper now. We have integrated exceptions for our European allies who're aiding Ukraine within the billions of {dollars}, giving them slightly bit extra time to regulate.

It is a fastidiously constructed invoice.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They get 20 p.c of their fuel from Russia, proper?

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Can –

MARGARET BRENNAN: Go forward.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: What he says, that there is three classes. Should you're not doing enterprise with Russia, you do not have something to fret about. Should you're doing enterprise with Russia however you are serving to Ukraine, you've got a carveout for 270 days. Should you're doing enterprise with Russia and never serving to Ukraine, you are screwed. The president can waive half or all of this based mostly on our nationwide curiosity. However to the individuals who marvel, ought to we pay a worth for our freedom? Now we have up to now.

Go to Arlington. Oil costs will go up if we confront Russia by our invoice. Oil costs will go up if we attempt to confront Iran for his or her nuclear ambitions. However you pay now otherwise you pay later.

If we get Iran proper and we get peace with Russia/Ukraine, not solely do oil costs come down, the world will probably be higher off. So, this concept of getting freedom and never sacrificing by no means existed, nor does it exist now.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator, I wish to ask you as properly about what's taking place right here at house with the protests we've seen across the nation and a few of them at occasions turning violent. There was criticism of Democrats' insurance policies on immigration. Do you suppose that this confrontation that we're seeing now, between navy forces, federalized, and protesters is partly due to what Democrats have completed to this point?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: The usage of navy, whether or not it is the Nationwide Guard or the Marines, will be inflammatory and provocative. We had protests throughout the nation yesterday that had been solely peaceable. I used to be at a variety of them in Connecticut, in Hartford and Farmington and elsewhere, throughout the nation. I believe this nation is aware of do peaceable protest. And the exceptions should be dealt with by the native police and prosecutors regionally.

I spent most of my life in legislation enforcement earlier than I had this job. I used to be the chief federal prosecutor in Connecticut. Then I used to be legal professional basic for 20 years. And the reliance on state and native police I believe is well-founded. And I've supported – in actual fact, I've launched a invoice that will restrict use of the Riot Act, would outline higher what's a riot, and compel the president to come back again to Congress for approval if he makes use of this type of federal pressure.

So, I believe that there are criticisms to be fabricated from immigration coverage.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: In reality, I favor complete immigration reform. We want it. However that's separate –

MARGARET BRENNAN: However you'll name on native legislation enforcement to maybe arise extra and cope with it on the native degree?

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: It is the native degree the place legislation enforcement occurs on this nation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.

SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: We depend on state and native police. And that should be the way in which we implement our legal guidelines on this nation. And emphasize the significance of peaceable protests, resembling we noticed yesterday across the nation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

All proper, Senators, thanks for becoming a member of us for a bipartisan interview. Uncommon, as we stated.

We'll be again.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: Saturday, demonstrators taking part within the "no kings" motion marched in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as a part of an organized effort to protest President Trump's insurance policies, together with current deportation sweeps. Organizers of the "no kings" rally stated that over 5 million individuals participated coast to coast.

Most had been peaceable. However in Salt Lake Metropolis, no less than one individual was injured in a taking pictures throughout an indication. And in Portland, Oregon, native police declared a riot outdoors an I.C.E. facility for just a few hours earlier than that crowd dispersed.

And we're joined now by California Senator Alex Padilla.

Good morning and Blissful Father's Day to you.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA (D-California): Thanks. Thanks. Blissful Father's Day to all of the fathers on the market and together with those that live slightly bit fearful proper now due to what we're seeing, these more and more merciless and excessive immigration enforcement raids. However, nonetheless, they'll work, attempting to supply for his or her households.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, I wish to ask you about your private expertise with a few of this. As a lot of our viewers noticed that video of you being briefly detained while you had been attempting to get a query to the Homeland Safety secretary. Their workplace – her workplace later stated you spoke for almost quarter-hour afterwards. Did you get the reply to the query you had been attempting to ask? And – and what was it?

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Sure, sadly, no. And to slightly little bit of context right here. The rationale I attempted to – the rationale I used to be on the press convention, I used to be – I used to be at a scheduled briefing with representatives at Northern Command, only a couple doorways down the corridor, in the identical federal constructing, after I discovered of the press convention. My briefing delayed as a result of the oldsters I used to be supposed to satisfy with had been at that press convention.

So, I requested if we may pay attention in. I used to be escorted over. And that is what I used to be doing.

Why? As a result of for months and months, whether or not it is in committee, the secretary herself testifying and never offering substantive solutions to questions, different representatives of the division, formal letters and inquiries that we have submitted, doing my job as a senator, to get info as a part of our oversight and accountability duty.

So, to have the ability to ask a query of the secretary instantly, once they provided the assembly after the incident, I took it however, sadly, no, nothing substantive, nothing informative.

MARGARET BRENNAN: She could not reply the query or –

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Both could not or would not. And – and, frankly, that claims loads, proper, when it comes to the kind of –

MARGARET BRENNAN: What was the query?

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Nicely, amongst different issues, their justification for the – the federalization of the Nationwide Guard, not solely not vital however counterproductive as we have seen this final week in Los Angeles. And likewise simply fact. You recognize, for all of the discuss concerning the focus and focusing on of violent criminals, if that is all of the Trump administration was doing, there can be no debate. There is no disagreement on that.

However as you are listening to increasingly tales of undocumented, long-term residents of the USA who're in any other case law-abiding, working arduous, paying taxes, elevating households. And, frankly, working in jobs that underneath the primary Trump administration, when the Covid pandemic hit, had been deemed important, proper?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Employees in eating places, in agricultural fields, in well being care, building, et cetera, that is who's being focused now, and that is why there's a lot worry and – and terror in communities, not simply in Los Angeles however all through the nation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, the overwhelming majority of immigrants in California, we went and we seemed on the stats. They're on this nation legally. However Pew Analysis says your state has almost two million undocumented they usually make up about 7 p.c of the complete labor pressure in a few of these farming and repair jobs that you just – you talked about.

For the reason that Trump administration this week instructed I.C.E. to drag again a bit in the case of enforcement, do you see that as a step in the correct path, and have you learnt what triggered that call?

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Sure, so I do not know precisely what triggered that call. I will take it. Is it a step in the correct path? It is no less than a child step. And let's hope there's extra to comply with as a result of they're responding to what I and others have been saying for months and what's frankly years, going again to the primary Trump administration. You recognize, you – you – you need stats? Let's speak about stats. The – the state of California, probably the most populous state within the nation, probably the most numerous state within the nation, house to extra immigrants than any state within the nation, principally documented, some undocumented. This is identical California that's the largest economic system of any state within the nation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Fourth-largest economic system on the earth. Not regardless of the immigrant inhabitants, however due to the contributions of so many immigrants as a workforce, as customers and as – as entrepreneurs. So, once more, concentrate on the damaging, violent criminals. No disagreement there. However the – the oldsters who're in any other case law-abiding, tax-paying and – and enriching communities, there's obtained to be a greater method.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: A pathway in the direction of legalization. A pathway to citizenship for dreamers, farm staff and others.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, that – that is – that's hoping for – for motion in Congress that will take a while.

I did observe it was fascinating to see the – within the Home, the Republican Hispanic convention put forth a letter asking for a breakdown of what number of criminals had been amongst these truly deported.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: And that was – sure, that was – and that was one of many key questions I had for the secretary. In fact, she had no knowledge, had no reply, promised to comply with up, I hope.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: We'll see. And – and I additionally wish to be clear about this, as a result of after I had the audacity to attempt to ask a query, as a Senator of a cupboard secretary, that is what occurred.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: And also you noticed the response. Everyone's seen the video. You recognize, it wasn't about me. But when that is how this administration responds to a senator with a query, do not simply think about what they're able to however what they're doing when the cameras aren't there to individuals with no title like United States senator. That merciless, disrespectful remedy of so many individuals who deserve a lot better.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We see in our polling – on the coverage entrance, we see in our polling that there nonetheless is broad help for President Trump's mass deportation coverage. Our final CBS ballot, as of final Sunday, confirmed 54 p.c approval. There was an fascinating "Washington Publish" piece written by David Ignatius that was fairly sharp about Democrats, saying that, "they've gotten the border problem so fallacious for therefore lengthy, it is political malpractice." And that he was principally arguing, Democrats are handing to Trump the confrontation he wished with the navy, citing actions in the course of the first administration.

Do you suppose that he has a degree there?

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: No, I believe, you understand, –

MARGARET BRENNAN: As a result of the general public approval is so excessive of deportation.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Nicely – however particulars matter. It relies upon. You recognize, it depends upon the way you ask the query. Should you ask the identical individuals, you understand, do they suppose we must always preserve due course of in the USA of America, the reply is overwhelming, sure. Do dreamers deserve higher than the limbo that they discover themselves in? Overwhelmingly, on a bipartisan foundation, sure.

And so, I believe it is vital to interrupt down three issues. Primary, do we'd like a protected and safe, ordinarily, humane border? Completely. No disagreement there. Individuals in search of to come back to the USA, whether or not it is to hunt asylum, on work visas, et cetera, we undoubtedly must modernize that system and be extra strategic in these capacities. However we won't neglect the thousands and thousands of long-term residents, individuals who have been right here working, paying taxes, elevating households, shopping for houses, contributing to the power of our economic system, they deserve higher.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're the rating member on the Senate Guidelines Committee, which oversees the Capitol Police. What, if something, are you able to inform us concerning the state of safety for lawmakers given what's taking place in Minnesota?

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Sure, look, a variety of questions, a variety of issues. I work instantly with each the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms. And so they're doing what they should do to make sure the – the security of members of – of Congress. However I additionally suppose it is greater than applicable to step again and say, why are tensions so excessive, not simply in Los Angeles, however all through the nation? And I can not assist however level to the start of, not simply the primary Trump time period, however the – the start of the marketing campaign. The tone with which the president launched his first marketing campaign for president, served all through his first time period and continues on this time period. For a cupboard secretary, throughout a press convention, to not have the ability or be prepared to deescalate a scenario after I was attempting to ask a query, that is simply indicative of the tone of the administration.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You wished her to say, wait a second, I – I do know who he's, settle down, let him go? Is that what you are saying?

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: The – the overwhelming majority of individuals in that room knew who I used to be. I used to be escorted into that room by an FBI agent and a Nationwide Guard's member. It is the Los Angeles Press Corp. It stated, United States Senate on the chest of my polo.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Padilla, thanks for becoming a member of us at this time.

SENATOR ALEX PADILLA: Thanks.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be again in a second.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: That is it for us at this time. Thanks all for watching. And we wish to want all of the fathers on the market a Blissful Father's Day. And I wish to say Blissful Father's Day to my very own father, my father-in-law and, in fact, my husband.