WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders from both parties are pushing for an urgent vote on legislation that would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct military operations against Iran without first securing approval from lawmakers, following weekend strikes they argue could be constitutionally questionable and risk escalating Middle East tensions.
Legislative chambers had previously prepared such measures before Saturday’s military action occurred. Now Congress is poised to engage in an uncommon war powers discussion next week that will essentially judge Trump’s choice to proceed with military action without formal legislative consent.
“Has President Trump learned nothing from decades of U.S. meddling in Iran and forever wars in the Middle East?” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a leader in the bipartisan effort. He said the strikes on Iran were “a colossal mistake.”
House Representatives Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are pushing for lawmakers to formally record their position through a public vote on their bipartisan proposal. “Congress must convene on Monday to vote,” Khanna said, “to stop this.”
Massie criticized Trump’s campaign messaging, stating: “This is not ‘America First.’”
However, most GOP members, especially leadership, supported Trump’s action against Iran. Many pointed to the long-standing adversary’s nuclear development and missile programs as justification for military intervention.
“Well done, Mr. President,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “As I watch and monitor this historic operation, I’m in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare.”
The administration’s choice to initiate what appears to be an ongoing joint military campaign with Israel targeting regime change in Tehran is challenging constitutional separation of powers in significant ways. Two months prior, Trump authorized U.S. operations that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Though presidents possess commander-in-chief authority for certain strategic military operations independently, the Constitution grants Congress war-making powers. Before the Iraq War started in March 2003, Republican President George W. Bush spent months seeking congressional authorization. No such vote was pursued regarding Iran, and a previous Senate attempt to restrict Trump’s actions following last summer’s Iranian strike was unsuccessful.
Any congressional war powers discussion would largely carry symbolic weight. Even if legislation passed the closely divided Congress, Trump would probably veto it, and Congress lacks the two-thirds majority required to override such rejection. Congress has frequently been unable to prevent other U.S. military actions, including a Senate vote regarding Venezuela, but these votes create a public record.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reaction reflected his party’s established position. Iran, he stated, is experiencing “the severe consequences of its evil actions.”
Johnson, R-La., said House and Senate leadership and intelligence committees received detailed briefings earlier this week that military action “may become necessary” to safeguard U.S. personnel and citizens in Iran. He said he received updates from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and will maintain “close contact” with Trump and the Defense Department “as this operation proceeds.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., praised Trump “for taking action to thwart these threats.”
Thune indicated he anticipated administration officials briefing all senators — suggesting lawmakers want additional answers about Trump’s future plans.
Numerous Democrats are labeling the operation unlawful, arguing the Constitution exclusively grants Congress authority to declare war. They contend the administration has not provided adequate justification or strategy for the military strikes and their consequences.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the president has undertaken “illegal, regime-change war against Iran.”
“This is not making us safer & only damages the US & our interests,” Van Hollen, D-Md., said in a social media post. “The Senate must immediately vote on the War Powers Resolution to stop it.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said while Iran is a “bad actor and must be aggressively confronted” for its human rights abuses and the threat it poses to the U.S. and allies, the administration “must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war.”
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, insisted Congress receive immediate briefings on the administration’s strategy.
“Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home,” he said.
