Congress Divides Over Legality of Joint U.S.-Israeli Strikes in Iran
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: An NBC News live feed airs a clip from U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social video announcement in the White House James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on February 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel had launched an attack on Iran Saturday morning. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
By Jim Thomas | Saturday, February 28, 2026
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-NY, criticized Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Democrats for advancing a war powers resolution following joint military strikes conducted by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iranian targets on Saturday.
Lawler stated that Congress was briefed ahead of the operation and that President Donald Trump retained full authority under Article II of the Constitution to carry out the action. He noted that prior U.S. military operations authorized by Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama without congressional approval faced no objections at the time, emphasizing that Congress has not declared war since World War II.
Rep. Massie labeled the operation “not America First” and indicated he would work with Ro Khanna, D-Calif., to push for a vote on a war powers resolution once Congress reconvenes.
Sen. Andy Kim, D-NJ, urged senators to immediately vote on Sen. Tim Kaine’s, D-Va., version of a war powers resolution, warning that the strikes could “spiral out of control.”
U.S. Central Command confirmed Operation Epic Fury began at 1:15 a.m. ET on February 28, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, missile and drone launch sites, military airfields, and Iranian air defense systems.
The War Powers Resolution requires Congress to receive a written report within 48 hours of U.S. forces being introduced into hostilities and generally mandates the cessation of such operations within 60 days unless Congress authorizes them or provides specific authorization, with an additional 30-day window tied to troop safety and withdrawal.
Iran’s Red Crescent reported on state television that over 200 people were killed and nearly 750 injured in the strikes, claiming one incident hit a girls’ school in southern Iran, killing more than 80 students. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Lawler also urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to halt Democratic efforts to cut funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing threats posed by Iran and its terrorist proxies.
