War — what is Congress good for?

On this week's episode of Highway to Hill: The Trump administration has gone to war with Iran — but why? Three American soldiers are dead, hundreds of Iranian civilians are dead, and the justifications keep changing. Was it about nuclear weapons? Regime change? An "imminent threat" that only existed because Israel was planning to attack? Charlie and SoRelle dig into what Congress's constitutional role should be in declaring war, what the War Powers Resolution actually allows, and whether lawmakers are stepping up to do oversight or just rolling over. Then, in the Gavel Drop: Texas threw out thousands of Democratic primary votes over a polling place technicality; and is voting a right, or a privilege? Plus, Senator Thom Tillis goes ham on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over sketchy contracting and ignored inspector general requests — and it might actually be working.This week’s syllabus 📚* “Next phase of Iran war ‘will be even more punishing’: Rubio, Trump officials brief Congress” (Justin Papp, NBC News)* “Part of God’s Divine Plan” - Hegseth and military commanders “US troops were told war on Iran was ‘all part of God’s divine plan’, watchdog alleges” (Sarah Braun, The Guardian)* “The DOJ has been taking down Epstein files. Here’s what remains.” (Elliott Ramos, Julia Ingram and Taylor Johnston, CBS News)* Press release, office of Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), “Kaine Statement on Trump’s Illegal War with Iran”, Feb. 28, 2026.* ““Complete Incoherence”: Dems Sound Alarm After Secret Iran Briefing” (Hafiz Rashid, The New Republic)* “Speaker Johnson pushes against war powers resolution: ‘Frightening’” (Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill)* “The Law That Nobody Enforces” (Casey Burgat, The Preamble) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit highwaytohill.substack.com