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Democrats break rank to support Trump Iran strikes, while some Republicans question move


FILE - Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., presides over a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., file)
FILE - Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., presides over a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., file)
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President Donald Trump's decision to bomb three of Iran's nuclear sites without congressional authorization has sparked a wide range of reactions from lawmakers, with responses varying from strong support to calls for impeachment.

Senator Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, praised the president's actions, stating, "There is no doubt that because of the president’s decisive action, we have severely damaged Iran’s critical nuclear infrastructure." House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, saying, "The president made the right call, and did what he needed to do."

Notably, two Democrats, Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, broke ranks with their party to support the strikes.

Fetterman said, "This was the correct move by POTUS, Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities."

However, some Republicans expressed concern over the legality and constitutionality of the decision.

Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky criticized the move, stating, "The Constitution requires Congress to weigh in on this," and added, "I think this was a bad move politically, but it’s also just a bad move legally and constitutionally and policy-wise."

President Trump responded to Massie's criticism, saying, "MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him and doesn’t respect him."

Republican Congressman Warren Davidson of Ohio also questioned the constitutional rationale, saying, "While President Trump’s decision may prove just, it’s hard to conceive a rationale that’s constitutional."

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her disapproval, writing, "Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war," and added, "This is not our fight."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged Majority Leader John Thune to bring a war powers resolution up for a vote.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan effort is underway in the House, with Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez among those calling the strike "absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment." However, with Democrats in the minority in both the House and Senate, any impeachment effort is unlikely to succeed.

Democratic leaders, including top members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, expressed outrage that the administration only informed Republican lawmakers before the strikes. The CIA and other intelligence officials are scheduled to brief Congress on Tuesday, and the Senate Intelligence Committee will hold a closed meeting.

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