Louisiana senator says president treated Congress as appendage over Iran conflict

An outgoing Republican senator from Louisiana said the president treated Congress as "merely an appendage" during military operations against Iran. The senator made the remarks in a Sunday interview on CBS News's Face the Nation. He described a confrontation at a Capitol Hill lunch after he supported a war powers resolution.

Dispute over congressional briefing The senator said the president had not briefed Congress on the conduct of hostilities with Tehran. He argued that the Constitution requires such briefings to prevent excessive presidential power. " He added that Congress sometimes acts as if it is an appendage.

After the exchange, the president agreed to provide a briefing from the vice president and a special envoy. The senator then withdrew support for the war powers resolution.

Additional comments on policy priorities The senator questioned the focus on new federal voting restrictions. He said the president should instead address affordability for average families. He also objected to a proposed $1.8 billion fund and measures to shield the president and family members from IRS audits.

The senator said leaders should face a higher standard of accountability. The senator noted that the conflict had cost $29 billion and resulted in 13 American deaths. He said a medium-sized power was perceived to have fought a superpower to a draw.