Local Members of Congress Weigh In on Iran Strikes

Lawmakers debate the president's authority to order military action without congressional approval.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a series of interviews, members of Congress representing Southern California districts shared their views on the recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran. The lawmakers discussed whether the president overstepped his authority by not seeking congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Why it matters

The debate over the president's war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military action is a longstanding constitutional issue. The strikes against Iran have reignited this discussion, with lawmakers divided along party lines on whether the administration acted appropriately.

The details

Several Democratic representatives, including George Whitesides, Derek Tran, Norma Torres, and Dave Min, criticized the president for launching the strikes without prior consultation with Congress. They argued that the administration failed to make a clear case for the necessity of military action and warned that it could lead to a broader regional conflict. In contrast, Republican representatives Young Kim and Darrell Issa defended the president's decision, stating that it was necessary to address the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program and support for terrorism.

  • The military strikes against Iran were ordered by the president on March 4, 2026.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to call Congress back to Washington for only 2 of the next 15 days, according to Rep. Whitesides.

The players

George Whitesides

A Democratic representative from the Santa Clarita district.

Young Kim

A Republican representative from the Yorba Linda district.

Derek Tran

A Democratic representative from the Irvine district.

Norma Torres

A Democratic representative from the Pomona district.

Darrell Issa

A Republican representative from the Carlsbad district.

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What they’re saying

“First and foremost, I am thinking of the American troops who are now in harm's way after the president ordered military strikes against Iran last night. My thoughts are also with our citizens in the region.”

— George Whitesides, Democratic Representative (Fresno Bee)

“President Trump's decision to launch unilateral strikes against Iran without prior notification or authorization from Congress is a dangerous overreach of executive power.”

— Derek Tran, Democratic Representative (Fresno Bee)

“War is not a decision that can be made unilaterally. If military action is necessary, the administration must come before Congress, present the case, and seek authorization.”

— Norma Torres, Democratic Representative (Fresno Bee)

“President Trump's decision to launch Operation Epic Fury will protect America and our allies by eliminating the Iranian regime's ability to wage terror and threaten its enemies.”

— Ken Calvert, Republican Representative (Fresno Bee)

“President Trump is demonstrating the kind of leadership reminiscent of Ronald Reagan: strategic, decisive, visionary and challenging the stale status quo.”

— Darrell Issa, Republican Representative (Fresno Bee)

What’s next

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a War Powers Resolution in the coming days to assert Congress's constitutional authority over matters of war and peace.

The takeaway

The debate over the president's war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military action remains a contentious and unresolved issue, with lawmakers divided along partisan lines. The strikes against Iran have reignited this long-standing constitutional dispute, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability in the decision-making process around matters of war.