Senior US Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen accuse Republicans in Congress of failing to exercise constitutional authority in relation to Donald Trump’s policy on Iran. In their comments, they describe Republican lawmakers as “gelatinous blobs” and “rubber stamps,” arguing that Congress has effectively ceded its oversight role to the president and is not standing up to the administration. The criticism is framed as a broader dispute over congressional checks on executive action.
The Guardian’s report also notes parallel developments in Washington that could affect the administration’s approach to regional issues. It says President Trump claims an agreement has been reached involving Hamas disarming and Israel withdrawing forces from Gaza, but that briefings from both sides reveal disagreements about how the terms will be carried out. In addition, the report references statements by Blanche (as cited in the outlet) regarding a payout fund meant to compensate victims of so-called “government weaponization,” saying that the fund is not moving forward amid bipartisan backlash and highlighting that some senators sought assurances in writing that were not provided. Separately, Cornyn is also said to seek clarification of tax immunity terms in a related agreement.
