As the U.S. and Israel’s military strikes on Iran continue to unfold, lawmakers in Washington are returning to Congress with urgent debate and votes planned over presidential war powers and future military action.
Top Democratic leaders have called for an immediate vote on war powers resolutions intended to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military operations in Iran without formal congressional approval, invoking the 1973 War Powers Resolution as a constitutional check.
Senate Democrats including Tim Kaine and Chuck Schumer have urged lawmakers to reconvene early this week for votes, while House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, insist Congress must assert its authority and consider measures to “restrain” further escalation.
The push follows the White House’s decision to launch major strikes — dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — that included the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and extensive targeting of Iranian military infrastructure, without prior congressional authorization.
Some Republicans, including a handful of lawmakers such as Rep. Thomas Massie and Sen. Rand Paul, have joined calls for a war powers vote, citing constitutional war-declaration requirements. Others in the GOP support Trump’s actions and are expected to block measures aimed at restricting future operations.
Congressional briefings with Pentagon and intelligence officials are also planned to update lawmakers on the conflict’s scope and legal rationale, reflecting escalating domestic scrutiny of foreign policy decisions.
