WASHINGTON – Top officials from President Donald Trump’s national security team spent Tuesday on Capitol Hill attempting to build congressional support for ongoing U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran, as lawmakers from both parties demanded greater oversight.
The high-level briefings featured Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine addressing first the full Senate, then the House of Representatives.
While Trump’s Republican Party maintains narrow control of both chambers and typically supports his foreign policy moves, the Middle Eastern conflict has created unusual bipartisan pushback regarding military engagement without legislative consent.
Several lawmakers expressed interest in receiving additional intelligence briefings, particularly as the administration may soon request supplemental war funding from Congress.
Ohio Republican Representative Warren Davidson voiced skepticism on social media, stating: “America First was supposed to be a rejection of the globalist war machine. I look forward to seeing the intelligence the administration found so persuasive, then voting.”
Questions arose after Secretary Rubio revealed Monday that U.S. attacks on Iran were coordinated with Israeli plans. Maine Senator Angus King, an independent who aligns with Democrats, raised concerns during Tuesday’s Armed Services hearing: “Have we now delegated the most solemn decision that can be made in our society, the decision to go to war, to another country.”
FUNDING QUESTIONS EMERGE
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana both indicated it remains unclear whether Congress will need to approve additional war funding.
Following Monday evening’s leadership briefing, Johnson acknowledged funding discussions had occurred. “There are more details to be determined, how long the operation goes and what the need is,” Johnson explained to reporters.
Democratic leaders signaled strong resistance to any funding requests without proper congressional authorization. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York argued Trump must secure legislative approval before seeking financial support for military operations.
Both chambers plan votes on war powers resolutions this week – the Senate on Wednesday and the House on Thursday – aimed at blocking continued Iranian attacks without congressional consent.
Jeffries predicted solid Democratic backing for the measure, explaining: “There is a requirement under the Constitution that it is members of Congress that make the decision as to whether to get us entangled in this kind of armed conflict and that’s what the resolution this week will be all about.”
Republican lawmakers have previously defeated similar efforts to force Trump to seek legislative approval for military actions. Even if current resolutions pass, they would likely lack the two-thirds majority needed in both chambers to override a presidential veto.
