Lawmakers react to 'Operation Epic Fury' US - Israel military strikes across Iran

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The American flag flies in front of the U.S. Capitol on February 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel had launched an attack on Iran Saturday morning. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Following the news that Operation "Roaring Lion", joint American-Israeli strikes targeting military sites inside Iran, had begun, lawmakers reacted.

Republican lawmakers reactions to 'Operation Epic Fury'

Senator John Thune, R-S.D.

Senate Majority Leader Thune posted on X praising President Trunp and thanking Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying "I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats.   I thank Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week, and I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations."

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Speaker of the House Mike posted on X that Iran had the chance for a peaceful solution, saying "President Trump and the Administration have made every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions in response to the Iranian regime’s sustained nuclear ambitions and development, terrorism, and the murder of Americans—and even their own people."

Rep. Tom Emmer, R- Minn.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer praised the action in a post on X, saying, "This is a bold, decisive act of strength by President Trump. The Ayatollah is responsible for killing hundreds of U.S. service members and slaughtering its own people."

Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C

"As I watch and monitor this historic operation, I'm in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare," Graham wrote Saturday morning on X in a string of posts. "Well done, Mr. President."

Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla.

In a post on X, Senator Scott praised the operation, saying "The days of the evil Iranian regime chanting "Death to America," threatening the very existence of our country and our allies, and oppressing its people are over."

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla.

Representative Randy Fine posted on Facebook, "We are with you, Mr. President. We will cut off the head of the snake of Muslim terror, Bring lasting peace to the Middle East, And save the Iranian People. Bombs away." 

Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark.
In a post on X, Senator Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, praised the action, saying the time has come for Iran's terror to end: "The butcher’s bill has finally come due for the ayatollahs. May God bless and protect our troops on this vital mission of vengeance, and justice, and safety." 

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

Representative Massie, a longtime critic of President Trump, joined Democrats in opposing Operation Epic Fury, posting on X, I am opposed to this War. This is not "America First."  

Democrat lawmakers reactions to 'Operation Epic Fury'

Senator Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement on X saying, "The American people to not want another endless and costly was in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home."  

Rep. Hakeen Jeffries, D-N.Y.

House Minority Leader Hakeen Jeffries shared a statement on X criticizing President Trump for not seeking Congressional authorization, saying "Congress must vote on a War Powers resolution immediately."

Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa. 

"President Trump has been willing to do what's right and necessary to produce real peace in the region," Fetterman wrote on X. "God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel. "

Senator Mark Warner, D-Va.

Warner shared posted a string of posts on X questioning the action :"Congress must be fully briefed, and the administration must come forward with a clear legal justification, a defined end state, and a plan that avoids dragging the United States into yet another costly and unnecessary war.

Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

Senator Gallego, a Veteran who served in Iraq, criticized the attack in a social post on X saying "I lost friends in Iraq to an illegal war."

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.

In a statement, Representative Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, released a statement: "Everything I have heard from the administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame," Himes wrote in a statement. "As I expressed to Secretary Rubio when he briefed the Gang of Eight, military action in this region almost never ends well for the United States, and conflict with Iran can easily spiral and escalate in ways we cannot anticipate. It does not appear that Donald Trump has learned the lessons of history.

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Senator Kaine released a statement on X calling the action "President Trump’s illegal war with Iran."