Senator Adam Schiff sharply criticized President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict with Iran, arguing that the administration has failed to justify the war or seek proper congressional authorization.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Schiff noted that the conflict had entered its second month and highlighted the recent loss of two American aircraft over Iran. He praised the military personnel involved in a high-risk rescue mission that recovered the downed pilots but warned that the operation exposed U.S. service members to significant danger.
Schiff also argued that the war has imposed heavy economic costs on Americans, claiming that rising expenses for fuel, groceries, utilities, and healthcare have been compounded by the administration’s policies. He criticized the White House for not presenting a formal proposal authorizing military action and accused congressional Republicans of avoiding public hearings and votes on the conflict.
According to Schiff, tens of billions of dollars have already been spent on the war, funds he said could have been directed toward domestic priorities such as hospitals, affordable housing, childcare centers, and senior services.
The debate comes as the administration contends that a recently established ceasefire has effectively halted hostilities. Under the War Powers Resolution, President Trump had 60 days to either end military operations against Iran or obtain congressional approval to continue them.
Administration officials argued that because fighting ceased on April 7, the 60-day clock should be considered paused. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told lawmakers during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the ceasefire changed the legal framework governing the deadline.
Democrats unsuccessfully attempted once again to force a vote on a War Powers Resolution aimed at ending U.S. involvement in the conflict. Administration officials maintained that hostilities that began on February 28 had formally concluded.
In a statement, Schiff said that after two months of fighting, the loss of 13 American service members, and billions of dollars in expenditures, Congress should reject what he described as an unauthorized war and reassert its constitutional authority over military action.
