On Sunday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries referred to the recent rescue of a U.S. airman in Iran as “heroic,” while expressing ongoing concerns about what he termed a “war of choice” that has now entered its sixth week.

During an interview with ABC News’ “This Week” host George Stephanopoulos, Jeffries stated, “I am grateful that our special forces have successfully rescued a second U.S. airman. We continue to pray for the safety and well-being of all service members operating in this perilous conflict zone.” He went on to criticize former President Donald Trump for initiating a “reckless war of choice” that lacks a clear strategy or exit plan.

The U.S. military conducted an operation to retrieve an airman who had been reported missing following the downing of an F-15 fighter jet by Iranian forces on Friday. President Trump announced shortly after midnight on Sunday that the airman had been located and was “safe and sound.” He added that while the pilot had sustained some injuries, they were not life-threatening.

Jeffries, along with many of his fellow Democrats, has voiced strong opposition to the conflict with Iran and has challenged the administration’s proposed budget, which suggests an increase in defense spending to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027—a 42% rise from the previous year. Additionally, the Pentagon is requesting $200 billion in supplemental funding from Congress to support military efforts in the ongoing war.

Regarding the supplemental funding request, Jeffries remarked that the financial burden of the war is already being felt by taxpayers. “They have ample resources, as far as we can tell, to carry out necessary operations,” he noted. “Congress must be responsible stewards of taxpayer funds. This costly and reckless war of choice is driving up living expenses for ordinary Americans, particularly through rising gas prices.”

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.