Adam Schiff sharply criticized President Donald Trump and his administration over the ongoing conflict with Iran, repeatedly referring to it as “Trump’s Iran war” during a speech on the Senate floor. Schiff argued that the war has already imposed a heavy human and economic toll on the United States. He pointed to the deaths of 13 American service members, including Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan of California, along with more than 200 injured troops, some suffering severe wounds. Schiff also highlighted the downing of two American pilots over Iran, which required a dangerous rescue mission carried out by U.S. special forces.
According to Schiff, the war has drained tens of billions of dollars that could have been spent on domestic priorities such as hospitals, affordable housing, childcare facilities, and senior centers. He further claimed that Americans are suffering financially because of rising costs tied to the conflict, including higher gas prices, grocery bills, utility costs, and medical expenses. Schiff accused the administration of making life less affordable while simultaneously arguing that the country cannot afford programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or expanded daycare support.
A major focus of Schiff’s criticism centered on constitutional and congressional oversight issues. He argued that the Trump administration never properly justified the war and failed to seek formal congressional authorization for military action against Iran. Schiff criticized Republican lawmakers for not demanding hearings or open debate on the conflict, saying Congress had not held a single public hearing regarding the war. He also argued that Republicans were unwilling to hold a vote on the matter because they feared political accountability.
The dispute intensified around the War Powers Resolution, which required the president to either end hostilities with Iran or obtain congressional approval within 60 days. The Trump administration claimed that the deadline no longer applied because a ceasefire had effectively ended active combat operations. Administration officials said the U.S. and Iran had not exchanged fire since April 7 and therefore hostilities had ceased. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth argued before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the ceasefire paused or stopped the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine disagreed, warning that the administration’s interpretation would raise serious legal questions. Senate Democrats attempted for the sixth time to force a War Powers Resolution vote aimed at ending U.S. involvement in the conflict, but the effort failed. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul joined most Democrats in supporting the measure, though it ultimately did not pass.
