• Trump ordered military strikes on three sites in Iran, leading to significant bipartisan congressional reactions.
• Republicans praised the strikes, calling them a necessary action against an existential threat from Iran.
• Many Democrats criticized the strikes as unconstitutional, arguing Congressional approval was necessary.
• The debate reflects ongoing tensions regarding presidential war powers and military engagements.
• Senate Democrats are preparing a resolution to limit Trump's military authority against Iran.

The recent U.S. military bombardment of three sites in Iran, ordered by President Donald Trump, has generated immediate praise from Republican lawmakers while sparking intense debate over the president's authority to act without congressional approval. Senators Lindsey Graham and Katie Britt expressed their approval on social media, commending Trump's decision as “strong and surgical” action to confront the Iranian regime, which is considered an existential threat, according to latimes and sfgate.

Similarly, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker remarked that Trump's strikes were a deliberate and necessary decision to protect U.S. interests. Many Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have expressed approval of the strikes, insisting they support the safety of American troops and allies, highlighting a consensus among GOP members regarding the action taken by Trump, as noted in scmp.

However, the military strikes have also ignited a backlash among Democratic lawmakers who argue that Trump overstepped his presidential bounds. Prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, cited the importance of congressional authorization for military actions, labeling the strikes as unconstitutional and warning of potential escalations in conflict, as reported by latimes and scmp.

Some Republicans expressed similar concerns, with Representative Thomas Massie emphasizing the illegality of the strikes without a vote from Congress. This division highlights the deeper political fractures within the Republican Party as well, as multiple members scrutinize the administration's military approach, a sentiment echoed across sources, including sfgate and scmp.

As the debate unfolds, Democrats are poised to introduce a Senate resolution aimed at reinstating a requirement for congressional approval of military actions, reflecting an ongoing struggle regarding presidential authority. The resolution is seen as critical for ensuring that any future military engagements do not repeat the perceived mistakes of the past, according to sfgate and latimes.