Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., scolded Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Democrats pushing a war powers resolution after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out joint strikes on Iran, saying Saturday that Congress was briefed ahead of the operation and arguing President Donald Trump had full authority to act.
Lawler wrote on X that the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops or carrying out an attack, and he said Congress was notified in advance and briefed before the strike on Iran, adding that a full classified briefing would be forthcoming.
Lawler stated that Congress may approve the resolution backed by Massie and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., but Trump retains authority under Article II of the Constitution.
"The notion that this strike is illegal or that the President needed Congress's authority is wrong," Lawler wrote.
He also cited prior U.S. strikes carried out under Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama without congressional authorization, and he said critics now did not object to them then.
Lawler wrote that Congress has not declared war since World War II.
Massie wrote on X that he was "opposed to this war." "This is not America First," he added, saying he would work with Khanna when Congress reconvenes to force a vote on a war powers resolution.
Other lawmakers urged quicker action.
Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., called on senators to vote on Sen. Tim Kaine's, D-Va., version of a war powers resolution, writing on X that the strikes could "spiral out of control" and urging an immediate vote.
U.S. Central Command said Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28 at 1:15 a.m. ET and targeted 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 a written report to Congress within 48 hours in covered situations where U.S. forces are introduced into hostilities, and it generally requires ending the use of U.S. forces within 60 days unless Congress declares war or provides specific authorization, with a potential additional 30 days tied to troop safety and withdrawal.
Iran's Red Crescent said on Iranian state TV that more than 200 people were killed and almost 750 were injured, and Iranian officials claimed that a strike hit a girls' school in southern Iran, killing more than 80 students. Those claims have not been confirmed.
Lawler also urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., on X to stop Democratic opposition to funding the Department of Homeland Security, citing what he described as risks from Iran and its "terrorist proxies."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.