Wicker, Graham, Cotton, Mace back Trump after Iran strikes: 'Butcher's bill has finally come'

Senior GOP lawmakers framed the joint operation as necessary to curb Iran's military capacity and protect long-term American security interests
UPDATED FEB 28, 2026
Republican leaders described 'Operation Epic Fury' as both retribution for past aggression and a strategic move to deter further escalations (AP Photo)
Republican leaders described 'Operation Epic Fury' as both retribution for past aggression and a strategic move to deter further escalations (AP Photo)

WASHINGTON, DC: Top Republican lawmakers have unified in resolute support of President Trump following the launch of 'Operation Epic Fury', a major military offensive against Iran.

Following weeks of escalating threats, GOP leadership has characterized the joint US-Israeli operation as a pivotal move to neutralize Iran.

Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, commended the president for taking "decisive action" to protect American interests. 

Roger Wicker says action secures generational safety

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 11: Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) speaks to the press on the transparency from the Department of Defense regarding the health of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on January 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. Secretary Austin was hospitalized for surgery relating to prostate cancer, which was not reported for several days. (Photo by Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images)
Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) speaks to the press on the transparency from the Department of Defense on January 11, 2024, in Washington, DC (Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images)

Senator Wicker praised the administration's comprehensive strategy, noting that the operation's goals were focused on permanently degrading Iran's production capacity and destroying its naval capabilities. 

He emphasized that without this military intervention, Iran would continue to grow its ability to threaten Americans while working in concert with adversarial powers like the Chinese Communist Party and Russia.

Wicker maintained that the Ayatollahs had mortgaged the economic future of ordinary Iranians to pursue an "apocalyptic vision." By utilizing all tools of national power, the US aimed to ensure that Americans would remain safe for generations to come.

Lindsey Graham hints at historical shift in Middle East peace

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 15: U.S. senator Lindsey Graham participates in a panel at the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2025 in Munich, Germany. International defence and security leaders from around the world are gathering for the February 14-16 conference. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Senator Lindsey Graham participates in a panel at the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2025, in Munich, Germany (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Senator Lindsey Graham hailed the execution of the operation as a well-planned and "more than justified" response to a regime with American blood on its hands.

Graham expressed that the demise of the current leadership could trigger the "biggest change in the Middle East in a thousand years."

The South Carolina Republican suggested that the military action significantly increased the likelihood that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel would get back on track.

He noted that regional players concurred that historic peace advances would only occur if the current Ayatollah's regime were toppled.

Tom Cotton says 'butcher's bill' due

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee nomi
Sen Tom Cotton framed the mission as one of 'vengeance, justice, and safety' (Getty Images)

Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that the "butcher's bill has finally come due" for a regime that had waged war against the US for 47 years.

Cotton cited a long history of Iranian crimes, including the hostage crisis and the attempted assassination of President Trump.

Cotton framed the mission as one of "vengeance, and justice, and safety."

He offered prayers for the troops engaged in the vital task of dismantling a program that had utilized thousands of missiles and weapons to kill and maim American soldiers across the globe.

Nancy Mace rejects appeasement and urges confronting tyrants

CHARLESTON, SC - OCTOBER 31: Republican congressional candidate Nancy Mace speaks to the crowd at an
Nancy Mace speaks to the crowd at an event with Sen Lindsey Graham at the Charleston County Victory Office on October 31, 2020, in Charleston, South Carolina (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Representative Nancy Mace asserted that "history will record this night" as the moment America and Israel refused to flinch or negotiate with "darkness."

Mace argued that peace is not found in appeasement but is won through the understanding that tyrants must be confronted directly.

Mace highlighted the recent "massacre" of thousands of Iranian civilians who were slaughtered for asking for freedom.

She insisted that the world must not turn a blind eye to these atrocities and that President Trump’s refusal to ignore the slaughter was a fulfillment of the Iranian people's cries for liberty.

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