Iran war powers and local housing reform

In this episode of Congress in Context, we examine the high-stakes constitutional clash between the executive and legislative branches as President Trump’s "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran triggers a fierce debate over the War Powers Resolution. While Republican leaders defend the large-scale military action as a necessary exercise of Article II authority to neutralize an "imminent threat" and prevent the regime from obtaining nuclear weapons, many Democrats denounce the strikes as an unauthorized war of choice that risks a "forever war" in the Middle East. This international crisis unfolds alongside a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with lawmakers deadlocked over funding for agencies like TSA and the Coast Guard versus controversial enforcement tactics by ICE and CBP. Amidst these global tensions, the Senate also attempts to address the domestic affordability crisis through the ROAD to Housing Act, illustrating the profound challenge of balancing national security objectives with pressing economic struggles at home.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

March 4, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 6644 (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act): Legislation intended to increase the supply of housing in America through reforms to zoning, permitting, and financial literacy programs.
• H.R. 7744 (Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026): A bill to provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
• H.R. 7481 (Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026): A Democratic-led alternative bill to fund "law-abiding" agencies of the DHS while excluding ICE and CBP.
• S. 723 (Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025): A bill requiring the Bureau of Indian Affairs to expedite mortgage packages on Indian land.
• H.R. 6472 (Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act): Legislation to provide in-state tuition rates for residents of U.S. territories.
• H. Con. Res. 38: A resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran.
• H. Res. 1099: A resolution reaffirming that Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism.
• S. 3971: An act to extend the SBIR and STTR programs.
• H.R. 3377, H.R. 7194, and H.R. 7211: Acts to authorize the Medal of Honor for James Capers, Jr., Nicholas Dockery, and John W. Ripley.
• H. Res. 1100: A resolution directing the Committee on Ethics to release records regarding sexual harassment investigations.
• S. 3982: A bill to establish protections against digital impersonation fraud.
• S. 3980: A bill to create “Lending.gov” as a shared services platform for federal loans.