WASHINGTON, D.C. February 28, 2026 – U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) has called for Congress to reconvene without delay to vote on Senator Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution, following the launch of major U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran earlier today.
In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter) at approximately 9:00 a.m. EST, Senator Kim stated: “Bring Congress back into session. Now. We should vote on Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution today.”
The appeal comes hours after President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” under what U.S. officials described as Operation Epic Fury. The joint U.S.-Israeli operation targeted sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with explosions reported across the Iranian capital and southern provinces.
Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes on U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as targets in Israel and Syria. Reports from the region indicate civilian casualties and widespread disruption, including flight suspensions in the Gulf.
Senator Kim, who represents New Jersey, argued that the strikes were launched “against the will of the American people” and risk spiraling into a broader conflict. “Trump once again started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control. This is unacceptable,” he said in statements accompanying the video. “Americans don’t want to go to war with Iran.”
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), the lead sponsor of S.J.Res. 59 (and related resolutions), has repeatedly pushed for congressional authorization before any offensive military action against Iran. The resolution directs the President to terminate unauthorized hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly approves them through a declaration of war or specific Authorization for Use of Military Force.
Kaine had planned to force a vote next week, but the rapid escalation of events has prompted urgent calls — echoed by Kim and other Democrats — for an immediate special session. “The Senate should immediately return to session and vote on my War Powers Resolution to block the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran,” Kaine said in a separate statement today.
Congress is currently in recess and was not scheduled to return until next week.
The developments mark a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump described the operation as necessary to eliminate “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime and urged Iranians to “take over your government.” Israeli officials confirmed the strikes were the result of months of joint planning.
Senator Kim’s post has drawn mixed reactions online, with supporters praising the push for congressional oversight and critics accusing Democrats of undermining U.S. troops during active operations.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor the situation as it develops, including any response from Senate leadership and the White House.
Sources: Senator Andy Kim’s official X post, statements from Sen. Tim Kaine’s office, congressional records, and live reporting from multiple international news outlets.
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