Operation Epic Fury: US-Israel Strike on Iran

0:00This is Birmingham News today, every story, every city, every day. The United States and Israel have launched a joint military operation against Iran, called Operation Epic Fury. Bombs are falling, with at least three American service members killed so far. President Trump has warned that more deaths are likely ahead. This campaign shows no clear end in sight and could stretch on for weeks. Unlike past conflicts like the Iraq War, which saw big congressional debates, this one kicked off without formal approval from lawmakers. The White House sees it as a targeted strike, but critics point out the Constitution gives Congress alone the power to declare war or authorize force. Lawmakers from both parties are reacting strongly. Democrats argue Trump needs to come to Congress for a vote, especially after the strikes killed Iran's supreme leader and hundreds more. Even some in Trump's base worry, it breaks his America first promise by dragging the US into another overseas fight. Both the House and Senate are prepping war-powers resolutions for votes this week.

1:03White House briefings for leaders are set, but they'll happen behind closed doors. Experts say Congress could pull funding to stop things, like in Vietnam, but with Republicans in control, that's a long shot. Republican Senator Tom Cotton says, expect an extended air and naval push, no ground troops, lasting weeks as Iran picks a new leader in response. Meanwhile, Congress just approved $175 billion for the Pentagon, making it harder to rein in the operation, a message from our sponsor supports today's story. Do not just listen to podcasts, get lost in them comfortably, solypilo.com.