(The Center Square) – Florida leaders are weighing in on President Trump’s military action in Iran which has killed four American service members, U.S. Central Command confirmed from Tampa Monday morning.
The identities of the service members who were killed in action have yet to be released.
The reaction has been swift from lawmakers since Trump launched Operation Epic Fury on Saturday in Iran, striking targets to dismantle the Iranian security apparatus and killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Republican Sen. Rick Scott praised the president’s actions. “For decades, the Iranian regime has targeted and killed American citizens, putting our national security on the line. Fortunately, we have a strong President who confronted this evil head-on – and as a result, the Ayatollah was wiped off the face of the earth,” the senator wrote on X.
Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Collins also posted his support.
“God bless our nation’s warriors who once more have stepped into the breach,” Collins wrote. “Guide them and keep them safe. We are the greatest nation on earth because good men and women fight for freedom, liberty, and defend the American way. God bless our troops as they once again take the fight to the enemy with strength and determination unlike any other fighting force on Earth.”
Democrats criticized Trump’s move to authorize military action without congressional approval.
“Congress must reconvene immediately to vote on a War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s illegal and dangerous war,” U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost posted. “We know what comes next: instability, innocent death, our troops risking their lives, and chaos. These regime change wars do not work. We can support the people of Iran without bombing them. Just days ago, Trump was already misrepresenting what his own generals were telling him, including warnings about the high risk of American casualties. The American people deserve the truth, especially as innocent civilians are already dying and U.S. service members are being put in harm’s way. Whether this is about politics, oil, shielding himself from scandal, or backing Benjamin Netanyahu, one thing is clear: this is an unnecessary war of choice, launched without transparency or accountability.”
The scope of Trump’s power to launch military operations is contingent on several factors. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to consult with Congress “in every possible instance” before introducing U.S. forces into hostilities.
In the absence of a declaration of war by Congress, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours and the action must end within 60 days unless Congress authorizes it.
While the president can respond to sudden attacks and conduct limited operations, only Congress can declare war.
State Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, called for accountability.
“Criticizing Iran’s regime and defending the U.S. Constitution are not mutually exclusive. Iran’s human rights abuses, its repression of protesters, and its support of terrorism are well documented and deeply troubling. The Iranian people deserve freedom and dignity. But acknowledging that does not eliminate Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing war,” Jones said. “We can condemn authoritarian regimes abroad and still insist that American presidents follow constitutional process at home. In fact, that’s what separates us from them.”
