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February 28, 2026policy changewar powerscongressional oversightIran policycongressconstitutional lawexecutive power

Congress holds emergency meeting as Iran strikes begin without member briefing

Rank-and-file members of Congress convened emergency sessions after learning of Operation Epic Fury strikes through news reports rather than White House notification. Secretary Rubio reached seven of eight Gang of Eight members after the operation began; Armed Services Committee chairs were notified after strikes were underway. Democrats and several Republicans demanded war powers votes while House and Senate leaders scrambled to assess the legal and constitutional posture.