Congress is preparing to vote on limiting its powers to wage war after Trump's order to attack Iran failed to pass Congress.
Democratic leaders in Congress, as well as some Republican members, criticized Trump's decision to order an attack on Iran without congressional approval, paving the way for a vote to limit the power to wage war.
March 1, 2569 – Democratic leaders in Congress, along with some Republican members, have criticized President Donald Trump's decision to order a large-scale attack on Iran without congressional approval, and his plans to push for a vote to limit the president's powers of war.
CNN reported that the order to order the airstrikes against Iran came just days before the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate were scheduled to formally debate and vote on the use of military force against Iran. Democrats and at least three Republicans stated that the president's decision, made while members of Congress were scattered across the country and had no plans to return to Washington for several days, seriously questioned the legality of the attack.
Representative Ro Canna, a Democrat from California, said Saturday morning (February 28) that it was a huge slap in the face to Congress. The president started an illegal war when there was no immediate threat; he didn't consult or allow Congress to debate the situation. She added that even George W. Bush did the same.
In 2545-2546, before President Bush invaded Iraq—one of the most criticized wars—he showed respect to Congress by requesting a debate to seek formal approval before ordering the troop deployment.
A group of lawmakers who previously tried to push for limits on Trump's power to attack suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean have said they will revive efforts to pass a War Powers Resolution.
Meanwhile, Republican Representative Thomas Massey of Kentucky posted on the X platform Saturday morning, “I oppose this war,” adding, “When Congress convenes, I will work with Democratic Representative Roe Canna of California to pressure Congress into voting on war with Iran.”
“The constitution requires a vote, and your representatives need a clear record of whether they voted in favor of or against this war,” Massey said.
NBC News reported that Massey and Canada jointly drafted a resolution granting war powers prior to the attack on Iran, citing Article 1 of the Constitution which states that Congress, not the executive branch, has the authority to declare war on another country.
As NPR reported, the White House notified eight top congressional leaders, known as the Gang of Eight, shortly before the attack began.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support for Trump's decision to halt Iran's nuclear program, stating in a press release, "Today, Iran is facing serious consequences for its evil actions. President Trump and his administration have made every effort to find diplomatic and peaceful solutions to counter the Iranian regime's nuclear ambitions, its support of terrorism, and the killing of Americans, including its own citizens."
Johnson stated that the " Gang of Eight" had received briefings on the possibility of using military force since the beginning of the week.
However, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader in the Senate, has called on the Trump administration to report the threat situation to the Senate. He asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to be transparent to Congress and the American public about the objectives of the attack and the steps that will be taken.
“The government has yet to provide Congress and the public with crucial details about the scope and urgency of this threat,” Schumer posted via X.
Read related news
