U.S. and Israeli forces executed a joint strike on Iranian military targets early Saturday in Operation Epic Fury, according to U.S. Central Command. The operation began at 1:15 a.m. Eastern Time on February 28 and targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, missile and drone launch sites, military airfields, and Iranian air defense systems.
Representative Mike Lawler, Republican of New York, criticized Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrats advocating for a war powers resolution, asserting that Congress was briefed ahead of the operation and President Donald Trump retained full constitutional authority to act. “The notion that this strike is illegal or that the President needed Congress’s authority is wrong,” Lawler wrote on X.
Lawler noted that Congress may approve a war powers resolution backed by Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna of California, but emphasized that President Trump retains power under Article II of the Constitution. He cited past U.S. military actions authorized by Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama without congressional approval, stating critics did not object at the time.
Lawler also highlighted that Congress has not declared war since World War II, reinforcing the argument for presidential authority in such operations.
Massie characterized the operation as “not America First” on X, stating he would work with Khanna to force a vote on a war powers resolution when Congress reconvenes.
Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey urged immediate action, writing on X that the strikes could “spiral out of control” and called for senators to vote on Sen. Tim Kaine’s version of a war powers resolution.
Iran’s Red Crescent reported on Iranian state television that more than 200 people were killed and nearly 750 injured in the strike, with officials claiming an attack hit a girls’ school in southern Iran, killing over 80 students. These claims have not been independently confirmed.
Lawler also urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to halt Democratic efforts to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing risks from Iran and its “terrorist proxies.”
The War Powers Resolution requires a written report to Congress within 48 hours in situations where U.S. forces are introduced into hostilities and generally mandates ending such operations within 60 days unless Congress declares war or provides specific authorization, with an additional potential 30 days tied to troop safety and withdrawal.
