Nearly every Republican voted to block a measure that would require that President Trump win authorization from Congress to continue the offensive in the Middle East.
The administration’s shifting justifications for the military operation alarmed Democrats, who said no clear rationale had been given. Republicans struggled to echo the evolving explanations.
The president told lawmakers that the objective of the assault was to “neutralize Iran’s malign activities,” but did not present evidence of immediate plans by Tehran to attack the United States.
As explosions rocked Tehran, Republicans largely voiced support as Democrats warned about a costly and unauthorized conflict.
Most Democrats left President Trump conspicuously unmentioned as they cheered a potential end to the conflict, reflecting the tricky politics around the war and their party’s deep hostility to Mr. Trump.
Democrats reacted with outrage after the Trump administration, which has yet to consult with Congress on its strikes against Iran, delayed a planned briefing with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
President Trump avoided asking Congress for permission before striking Iran, despite the Constitution saying only the legislature can declare war.
President Trump avoided asking Congress for permission before striking Iran, despite the Constitution saying only the legislature can declare war.
Republicans in Congress praised President Trump’s decision to hit Iran. Many Democrats and some G.O.P. lawmakers said he should have consulted Congress.
A bipartisan pair in the House and a Democrat in the Senate have moved to force votes in the coming days on requiring congressional approval before U.S. troops could take offensive action against Iran.