U.S. strikes on Iran draw support, criticism from Congress

(The Center Square) — The U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites is drawing cheers and jeers from Congressional Democrats and Republicans.

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military had "successfully" carried out strikes on three of Iran's major nuclear sites, including Fordow. The strikes mark the first time the U.S. have carried out an attack inside Iran.

Multiple reports indicated six B-2 stealth bombers based out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri were used to carry out attacks on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired from nuclear submarines.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., led support for the military strikes, underscoring Iran's threat on the West.

"The regime in Tehran, which has committed itself to bringing 'death to America' and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace. The mullahs' misguided pursuit of nuclear weapons must be stopped. 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," Thune posted to X.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who introduced legislation to reign in the president's power in carrying out such attack, sounded off on the strikes.

"The American public is overwhelmingly opposed to the U.S. waging war on Iran. And the Israeli Foreign Minister admitted [Friday] that Israeli bombing had set the Irania nuclear program back 'at least 2 or 3 years.' So what made Trump recklessly decide to rush and bomb today? Horrible judgment. I will push for all Senators to vote on whether they are for this third idiotic Middle East war," Kaine posted on X.

House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., posted a lengthy statement in support of the president.

"The military operations in Iran should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says. The President gave Iran's leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.

"President Trump has been consistent and clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated. That posture has now been enforced with strength, precision, and clarity. The President's decisive action prevents the world's state sponsor of terrorism, which chants 'Death to America,' from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet. This is America First policy in action. God bless our brave men and women in uniform — the most lethal fighting force on the planet — as we pray for their safe return home. May God bless America," Johnson posted to X.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was one of the few Republicans to call out the president, declaring the strikes are "not Constitutional."

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has bucked his party by showing staunch support for Israel and the president.

"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. I'm grateful for and salute the finest military in the world," Fetterman posted on X.

Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., released a statement on the strikes, criticizing the president for failing to get congressional approval prior to the strikes.

"Donald Trump promised to bring peace to the Middle East. He has failed to deliver on that promise. The risk of war has now dramatically increased, and I pray for the safety of our troops in the region who have been put in harm's way.

"President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East.

"First, the Trump administration bears the heavy burden of explaining to the American people why this military action was undertaken. Second, Congress must be fully and immediately briefed in a classified setting. Third, Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action," Jeffries said in a statement.