Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement After Congressional Briefing on Iran Strikes
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after receiving a classified briefing on the U.S. operation targeting Iran’s nuclear program:
“While I cannot share the details of today’s classified briefing, it is clear that the U.S. strikes significantly disrupted aspects of Iran’s nuclear program. A nuclear-armed Iran would be a threat to the U.S., our allies, and the world—this strike slowed that path. Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
“I commend our service members for carrying out their mission with extraordinary precision and professionalism. Their performance is a testament to the strength and discipline of the finest military in the world. Any retaliatory attack on American troops or interests must be met with resolve. Our service members deserve nothing less.
“But their courage and success do not absolve the President of his constitutional obligations. The War Powers Resolution is not a suggestion—it is the law. It exists to prevent any President, Republican or Democrat, from unilaterally dragging the United States into another protracted conflict without proper oversight or authorization from Congress.
“There was no attack on the United States or its forces to justify bypassing Congress. And there was no meaningful consultation with Congress before the strikes. This was not an act of urgent self-defense—it was a premeditated, large-scale use of force. Regardless of outcome, dropping a dozen 30,000-pound bombs on multiple hardened targets is an act of war. And under our Constitution, only Congress has the authority to authorize such an act.
“Past presidents, even when pushing the limits of executive power, acknowledged Congress’s role. President Trump refused. And now, Speaker Mike Johnson has gone even further calling the War Powers Resolution itself ‘unconstitutional.’ That is a stunning abdication of responsibility. Instead of defending the institution he leads, the Speaker is surrendering Congress’s authority and bending to the will of the executive branch.
“Congress is not a ceremonial body. We are a co-equal branch of government. When American lives are at stake, when global stability hangs in the balance, our role is not optional—it is essential.
“I will always stand with our troops. And I will always fight to ensure that the decisions to send them into harm’s way are made lawfully, strategically, and with full accountability. That is what they swore to defend. And that is what I intend to uphold.”
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