Related: Sec. Hegseth will hold a briefing after we hit Iran
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida leader’s response splits the party’s line after the US attacks multiple nuclear targets in Iran.
Three targets were hit on an overnight mission called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” the first time the US had attacked Iran directly.
Florida Attorney General James Usmieyer shared his support for the X’s decision.
Republican Sen. Rick Scott shared a similar message and reposted the announcement of Trump’s strike.
“This is how peace through strength looks like,” he wrote. “The United States and the world are safer places than Iran owns nuclear weapons.”
US Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who represents part of Congress’ Pinellas County, shared words of support from service members.
“May God protect and maintain our brave members of our brave members, as well as our many foreign service officers and many men and women of the State Department until God returns home safely,” she wrote to X. “I pray for our nation. We need peace.”
Maxwell Frost, a Democrat who represents Central Florida and parts of Orlando, issued a statement criticizing the lack of Congress’ approval for the action.
“Trump’s decision to unilaterally drop bombs on multiple nuclear sites in Iran is reckless, dangerous, and most of all – doing so without Congressional approval is blatantly unconstitutional,” he wrote. “Advocating “now is a time of peace” is total nonsense after bombing the country. โ
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat who represents parts of Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, shared a more neutral message saying that Iran cannot allow nuclear weapons to be developed.
“I have a strong belief in Congress’ authority and oversight. Offensive actions must come to Congress to vote,” he wrote to X.
Rep. Sheila Sherfils McCormick, a ranking member of the House Subcommittee of the Middle East and North Africa, also highlighted the need for parliamentary input on military action.
“The Constitution is clear. Only Congress has the power to approve war. This administration must quickly explain Congress in a completely concise manner, explain its purpose and assert it to the American people,” she said in a statement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses said at a briefing on Sunday morning that Congressional leaders were informed of the strike after the attack began.