Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, Congress is preparing to vote on whether President Donald Trump has the constitutional authority to unilaterally launch attacks without congressional approval. The move comes amid growing concerns over the legality of the assault, which occurred just days before scheduled votes in the House and Senate on the matter.

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California condemned the attack as illegal, stating that Trump did not consult with Congress or allow for a debate, a process even former President George W. Bush followed during the Iraq War. Khanna called the action a ‘slap in the face of the United States Congress.’

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, known for his anti-interventionist stance, also criticized the attack, saying, ‘This is not ‘America First.’ The Constitution conferred the power to declare or initiate war to Congress for a reason, to make war less likely.’

Partisan Divisions and Legislative Action

Sen. Rand Paul, a leading Republican in the Senate, echoed similar sentiments, stating that his ‘oath of office is to the Constitution, so with studied care, I must oppose another Presidential war.’ The votes to require congressional approval for military action against Iran are expected to test the loyalty of the GOP’s far-right flank, who have long supported Trump’s promise to keep America out of foreign wars.

Despite the opposition, multiple GOP sources told CNN they believe the three Republicans — Massie, Paul, and Rep. Warren Davidson — are likely to be isolated in their party. However, Democrats believe their stance could be enough to deliver a rebuke to the administration.

Khanna suggested that the vote could be seen as a significant rebuke, comparing it to the historic 2002 vote that authorized the U.S. invasion of Iraq. However, even if the votes pass, they would be subject to a presidential veto, and overriding it would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Support and Opposition Within the GOP

While some Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, praised Trump’s actions, others expressed concerns about the lack of transparency. Rep. Warren Davidson, a former Army Ranger, unequivocally stated that he did not support the president’s action in Iran, emphasizing that ‘War requires Congressional authorization.’

Sen. Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican from North Carolina, acknowledged that Trump ‘rightfully determined that this theocratic dictatorship cannot be allowed,’ but added that he expected the White House to be forthcoming about the operation’s details. He said, ‘I expect all members of Congress will soon be briefed about Operation Epic Fury and determine whether a broader scope and further military action requires an authorization by Congress.’

Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, another retiring centrist, expressed a desire for more dialogue with the White House. He stated that while he did not want ‘boots on the ground,’ he believed that ‘we should bomb the crap out of them.’

The attack has compounded months of frustration among lawmakers over the White House’s lack of information-sharing on operations in Iran and Venezuela. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe provided a classified update to the ‘Gang of Eight’ congressional leaders, the full Congress was not given a detailed account of the legal justification for the strikes.

Democratic leaders had been quietly working with Massie to convince lawmakers to deliver an official rebuke to the White House. However, they faced significant headwinds, including opposition from some pro-Israel Democrats. House Democrats will hold a caucus call on Sunday evening to discuss the party’s response to the attack.

As the debate continues, the upcoming votes on Trump’s war powers are expected to be a key moment in the ongoing conflict between the executive and legislative branches over the conduct of U.S. military operations.