(R) Niki Lee Ethington
US Congress-Ky4
President Trump Has Constitutional Power to Authorize Military Strikes Without Congress Approval -
Furthermore, Striking Nuke Sites Does Not Equate to The Endless War Claims
As a candidate for U.S. Congress, I am committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring America stands firmly with allies like Israel. The question of whether President Trump can order a bunker buster strike to assist Israel without Congress making the decision is critical to understanding our government’s balance of powers, and our Constitution.
Under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the President, as Commander-in-Chief, holds the authority to direct military actions to protect our nation and allies. This means President Trump can unilaterally decide to deploy a strike, such as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator to target threats like Iran’s nuclear facilities, without Congress voting on or approving the action beforehand. My campaign supports this constitutional principle, recognizing the President’s role in swift, limited military responses to safeguard our allies.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to declare war and authorize sustained military campaigns, but it does not require the President to seek approval for targeted strikes. History supports this: President Nixon acted in Cambodia, President Clinton in Serbia, and President Trump himself ordered the 2020 strike on Iran’s Qassem Soleimani, all without prior congressional consent. A bunker buster strike to aid Israel would follow this precedent, addressing an urgent threat, such as Iran’s nuclear program, without delay. As a congressional candidate, I respect the President’s authority to make such decisions, ensuring America and Israel can act decisively against shared enemies.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the President to notify the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate within 48 hours after initiating hostilities, detailing the action’s purpose, legal basis. For a bunker buster strike, President Trump would send written correspondence to Congress, as he did after the Soleimani strike, informing them within a day or two. This notification is not a request for permission but a constitutional check, allowing Congress to oversee and, if necessary, respond through funding, oversight hearings, or further authorizations.
My opponent, Thomas Massie has brought forth The War Powers Resolution, co‑authored with his democrat friend Rep. Ro Khanna on June 17, 2025.
What the Resolution Does:
Prohibits U.S. military engagement in Iran or the Israel–Iran conflict unless Congress expressly authorizes it through a formal declaration of war or a specific Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) targeting Iran.
Introduced as a privileged resolution in the House, it must be considered on the floor within 15 calendar days, unless it is procedurally blocked, ensuring timely congressional review.
Here is the important take away. This does NOT strip away the President's Constitutional power. It's yet again a fabricated stunt by Rep. Massie.
- The President can still act in emergencies or for immediate threats.
- The War Powers Resolution still allows 48-hour unilateral action before notifying Congress.
- This resolution is simply challenging the President's limits.
Thomas Massie appears to be grasping at straws to get his first standalone bill, or any bill for that matter signed into law. (There isn't one MAGA Republican who believes President Trump wants an endless war anywhere, or boots on the ground in Iran). President Trump can use his Constitutional powers in aiding Israel without declaring an act of war.
I agree, Congress should have a decision-making role to prevent escalation, especially against a nation like Iran, but the Constitution prioritizes presidential action in moments of crisis.
America and Israel face threats from Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which could destabilize the Middle East and endanger global peace. A targeted strike would neutralize these threats. As a member of Congress, I will support the President’s authority to act. Congress’s role is to fund our military, monitor executive actions, and decide on broader war powers if conflicts expand, not to hinder the President’s ability to respond to immediate dangers.
My campaign stands for a strong America and an unwavering commitment to America & Israel’s security. If elected, I will uphold the Constitution’s framework, recognizing President Trump’s authority under Article II.
Peace through strength.
I do not support endless wars, which this does not implicate.
