WASHINGTON – Congress divided largely along party lines in its reaction to the U.S. military strikes on Iran, with Republicans supporting President Donald Trump and Democrats calling it “a war of choice” that should have required approval by lawmakers under the Constitution.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said “Iran is facing the severe consequences of its evil actions.” He said Trump “made every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions” to prevent Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon, but that the adversary has armed and funded terror groups including Hamas and Hezbollah instead.
But House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, said Democrats intend to force a House vote next week on whether to authorize the use of military force.
“The Trump administration must explain itself to the American people and Congress immediately, provide an ironclad justification for this act of war, clearly define the national security objective and articulate a plan to avoid another costly, prolonged military quagmire in the Middle East,” Jeffries said in a statement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the leaders of the House and Senate and the leaders of the intelligence committees in both chambers during the week. But Trump didn’t ask Congress for permission to begin what he called "major combat operations" in Iran.
