Demand Congressional Authorization for Operation Epic Fury

I am writing to demand that Congress exercise its constitutional authority and require the Trump administration to seek proper authorization for Operation Epic Fury before this military action escalates further. On February 28, the administration launched a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran involving approximately 50,000 military personnel, 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and bombers. Six American service members have already been killed and eighteen wounded. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has refused to rule out sending ground troops. This is not an emergency response but a major military operation that requires congressional debate and authorization. The administration's justification under the 1973 War Powers Act is inadequate. Trump's letter to Congress identifies no urgent threat, merely stating that Iran sponsors terrorism and seeks nuclear weapons. This does not meet the standard of an imminent danger that would justify bypassing Congress. The Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to declare war and appropriate military funding, with the framers deliberately placing this authority in the legislative branch to prevent excessive concentration of power and ensure public debate about the costs in lives and resources. The financial burden is already staggering. According to Forbes, these strikes have cost taxpayers over $1 billion, including $270 million for three F-15E Eagles lost to friendly fire, $630 million in transportation costs, and at least $13 million daily just for the two aircraft carriers. Lawmakers expect the administration will request supplemental funding beyond the $150 billion already provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the $839 billion appropriated in February. Before Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine warned that depleted reserves of interceptors and Patriot missiles, combined with lack of allied support, made this attack risky. Between 500,000 and one million Americans are now desperate to evacuate the Middle East. I urge you to demand that the administration immediately seek congressional authorization for continued military operations in Iran and provide full transparency about the scope, objectives, and anticipated costs of this war. Congress must reclaim its constitutional role.