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"Not briefed on Iran strikes, act of war": Rep. Bera
The senior committee member of House Foreign Affairs called the U.S. action on Iran an "act of war."
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Anushka Pathak - Sun, 01, Mar 2026
- 03:07 EST
- 26
Rep. Ami Bera / Wikimedia commons
Rep. Ami Bera said he was not briefed in advance on military strikes against Iran ordered by the Trump administration and called for immediate congressional oversight.
In a statement posted on X on Feb. 28, Bera, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, said he had not been informed ahead of the operation and that the administration failed to present a clear case to the American public or seek congressional authorization. Referring to President Donald Trump’s own remarks, Bera described the action as an “act of war.”
ALSO READ: Democrats slam US Strikes on Iran
As a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, I was not briefed by the Administration in advance of these strikes on Iran. The Administration has not presented a clear case to the American people, and it did not seek authorization from Congress.…
— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) February 28, 2026
“President Trump’s own statement makes clear this is an act of war,” Bera wrote, pointing to the president's warning that “the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.” He added that any decision placing U.S. servicemembers in harm’s way requires “the highest level of scrutiny, deliberation, and careful planning.”
Bera urged the administration to “immediately come to Congress to brief Members on its legal rationale, objectives, and exit strategy.” He represents California’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento County, and is a physician serving on key national security committees.
His comments came amid escalating tensions with Iran. Bera acknowledged what he called the brutality of the Iranian regime, stating, “We must also remain clear-eyed about the brutality of the Iranian regime, which has killed thousands of its own people in recent weeks.” He added, “I continue to stand with the Iranian people as they seek freedom from this oppressive regime and the ability to determine their own future.”
At the same time, Bera cautioned against rapid U.S.-led regime change, warning such efforts would require “rebuilding institutions and sustained support” and could not be achieved “overnight.” He said the United States must “learn from past failures to avoid another open-ended entanglement in the Middle East.”
Bera also announced his support for legislative action, noting, “Next week, the House will vote on a War Powers Resolution on Iran. I will support that resolution.” The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was enacted to limit presidential authority to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without congressional approval, though its enforcement has been debated.
He concluded by writing, “I am praying for the safety of our servicemembers and for the protection of all innocent civilians.”
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