How are lawmakers reacting to the strikes?

Immediate political response on Capitol Hill

Lawmakers from both parties moved quickly after the U.S.-Israeli operations, producing a mix of support, criticism and procedural responses. Many congressional leaders said they were briefed shortly before and during the strikes; several Democrats and a handful of Republicans sharply criticized the White House for initiating major military action without first obtaining congressional authorization.

What members of Congress are doing

• Calls for votes: Democratic leaders and some Republicans pushed to force rapid votes on war-powers measures that would require the administration to obtain congressional approval before further offensive operations against Iran.
• Bipartisan pressure: A bipartisan group of lawmakers said they would press for restraint and greater oversight, arguing that the Constitution vests Congress with the power to declare war.
• Public splits: While many Republicans rallied around the president’s action, a notable minority — including some conservative and libertarian-leaning Republicans — voiced opposition or demanded more clarity about the objectives and legal basis.

Why this matters

The clash raises immediate institutional questions about how far a president can act unilaterally on foreign military strikes and whether Congress will assert its war-powers authority. Votes to restrict or endorse the campaign could shape both the tempo of future operations and political dynamics heading into upcoming elections. At this stage, members are jockeying over procedure and oversight even as the administration continues military actions and communicates limited details about longer-term goals.