Trump Wins Immediate Praise from Republicans in Congress after Military Strikes on Iran

President Trump’s military strikes on Iran have garnered immediate support from Congressional Republicans, alongside a few Democrats. Senator Lindsey Graham and House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the strikes were necessary for security. However, there are voices of dissent regarding constitutionality and the need for Congressional involvement in military actions. Democrats, including Senator Tim Kaine, are advocating for resolutions requiring congressional approval before further strikes.

WASHINGTON — Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Republican lawmakers in Congress reacted with immediate praise. On Saturday evening, Trump revealed that U.S. forces bombed three sites in Iran, prompting an outpouring of support from key Republican figures.

Senator Lindsey Graham, representing South Carolina, praised the decision on X, stating, “Well done, President Trump.” Meanwhile, Texas Senator John Cornyn described the strikes as a “courageous and correct decision.” Alabama Senator Katie Britt echoed similar sentiments, labeling the military bombings as “strong and surgical.”

Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from Mississippi, commended Trump for making a, “deliberate — and correct — decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.” Wicker noted on X that the United States now faces serious choices regarding the security of its citizens and allies.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked on the situation, saying, “as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.” Both Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson were briefed prior to the strikes.

Johnson emphasized in a statement that the military operations serve as a warning to both adversaries and allies, underlining that “President Trump means what he says.” Additionally, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford expressed gratitude towards U.S. servicemembers for the successful execution of the strikes.

In a notable twist, Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who is known for his support of Israel, also lauded the actions against Iran. “As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS. Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities,” he stated.

However, the response is not unanimous across party lines. Notably, Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican, expressed his discontent on X, arguing that the strikes were “not Constitutional.” Moreover, many Democrats have called for Congressional approval before further military actions.

In response to the developing situation, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has introduced a resolution for a Senate vote requiring congressional approval before any U.S. declaration of war against Iran. Connecticut Representative Jim Himes, also a top Democrat on the House Intelligence panel, underscored his point by insisting that attention to constitutional responsibilities must precede military action, stating, “According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.”

In summary, President Trump’s recent military strikes on Iran have triggered swift approval from Republican lawmakers, emphasizing their support for U.S. involvement. Notably, some Democrats have joined in the praise, highlighting a fracture within party lines. Meanwhile, concerns about constitutional authority regarding military action persist, with calls from Democrats for more oversight from Congress. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these emerging dynamics will influence U.S. foreign policy.

Original Source: apnews.com