WASHINGTON — Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) sharply criticized the Trump administration’s military engagement with Iran during a speech on the Senate floor, highlighting the human and financial costs of the conflict as the two-month mark approached.
In his remarks, Schiff noted the loss of 13 U.S. service members, including Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan from California, and more than 200 injuries, some severe. He also referenced the downing of two American pilots over Iran, which required a high-risk rescue operation by U.S. special forces.
“We are now in the second month of this conflict, and we have already had two American pilots shot down over Iran, necessitating a rescue under extremely dangerous conditions,” Schiff said. “A heroic rescue … but one that put an incredible number of our service members at grave risk.”
Schiff argued that the financial toll — tens of billions of dollars — diverted resources that could address domestic priorities such as hospitals, affordable housing, childcare, and senior centers. He linked the conflict to rising costs for Americans at the gas pump, grocery stores, utilities, and medical care, claiming the administration’s approach has exacerbated economic pressures.
The senator further contended that the administration has not sought congressional authorization for the use of force, nor have Republicans called for open hearings or a vote. “The case for the war in Iran has never been made,” he said, adding that colleagues have avoided a vote out of fear of political accountability.
Schiff’s comments came amid ongoing debate over the War Powers Resolution, which required the president to either end hostilities or obtain congressional approval within 60 days. The deadline was set for Friday, May 1.
Hours before that deadline, the Trump administration declared the conflict effectively over due to a ceasefire. A senior official told the Associated Press that the U.S. and Iran had not exchanged fire since April 7. Another U.S. official informed Reuters that, for War Powers purposes, “the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified that the ceasefire paused the 60-day clock. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) disagreed, stating the timeline might expire soon and raise significant legal questions.
Senate Democrats attempted for a sixth time to force a vote on a War Powers Resolution to end U.S. involvement. The measure failed, though it garnered support from Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Rand Paul, along with most Democrats.
“After two months of war, 13 service members’ lives lost, and billions of dollars spent, it is time we recognized that the price we have paid is already too high,” Schiff said in a statement. “We must say no to this unauthorized war of choice.”
The administration has maintained that the ceasefire halted active hostilities, though sporadic tensions and economic ripple effects have persisted. The conflict, which began in late February, has prompted repeated congressional efforts to assert oversight, reflecting deep partisan divisions over presidential war powers.
