Rep. Doug Collins apologizes for saying Democrats are "in love with terrorists"

Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) apologized on Friday for saying Democrats are in love with terrorists, a comment he said was in response to the war powers resolution introduced at the time.

The big picture: The House voted 224-194 on Thursday, directing President Trump to halt the use of military force against Iran unless he obtains approval from Congress. The war powers resolution is unlikely to pass the Senate.

Driving the news: Iraq War veteran Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) criticized Collins' words on Thursday, telling CNN "I'm not going to dignify that with a response. I left parts of my body in Iraq fighting terrorists. I don't need to justify myself to anyone."

What he's saying:

"Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week. The comment I made on Wednesday evening was in response to a question about the War Powers Resolution being introduced in the House and House Democrats’ attempt to limit the president’s authority.

As someone who served in Iraq in 2008, I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to shreds by this vicious terrorist. Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans. These images will live with me for the rest of my life, but that does not excuse my response on Wednesday evening.

I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and with my fellow citizens to keep all Americans safe."

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