Congress is set to discuss President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran amid the ongoing conflict. The joint U.S.-Israel operation, named Operation Epic Fury, is underway without a clear endpoint. At least six U.S. military personnel have been killed, with Trump cautioning that more casualties may occur.
Congress, which holds the constitutional power to declare war, faces a critical moment in addressing the president’s military actions.
Congress has historically declared war five times, most recently in 1941 after Pearl Harbor. Instead of formal declarations, Congress often issues authorizations, as seen in the 1990 Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Created in response to the Vietnam War, the War Powers Resolution aims to check presidential military engagements without congressional consent.
War powers resolutions are being prepared in both the House and Senate for upcoming votes. Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that Trump should seek congressional approval for war.
Although some lawmakers criticize Iran’s regime, Democrats argue that Trump has not provided a rationale or strategy for the conflict. Elements of Trump’s MAGA coalition express concern over potentially contradicting his “America First” promise. The conflict has resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and hundreds in the region.
Congressional leaders are scheduled for closed-door briefings from White House officials.
