Senate Blocks Iran War Powers Resolution

Senate Republicans blocked a sixth attempt by Democrats to limit President Trump's authority over military operations against Iran as the conflict approaches a key deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The resolution requires Congress to declare war or authorize force within 60 days unless the president requests an extension.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the current ceasefire effectively pauses this 60-day clock, a claim Democrats strongly dispute. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine argued that the War Powers Resolution does not support such an interpretation of the ceasefire's effect on the deadline.

The White House has shown no interest in seeking congressional approval for military action against Iran, maintaining that deadlines set by the law do not apply due to the ongoing ceasefire. Republicans have largely stood behind Trump despite public frustration over economic impacts like rising gas prices from the conflict. However, some GOP senators including Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky broke ranks to support Democratic efforts.

Democrats continue pushing for formal congressional approval of military operations against Iran. Senator Adam Schiff argued that partial troop withdrawals while maintaining other forces do not stop the War Powers clock. As the deadline approaches, uncertainty remains about whether Trump will seek an extension or disregard the requirement entirely.

The White House asserted to Congress in a letter Friday that hostilities with Iran have 'terminated' despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region. The message from President Donald Trump effectively skirts a May 1 legal deadline to gain approval from members of Congress to continue the war with Iran.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday he did not plan on a vote to authorize force in Iran or otherwise weigh in. 'I'm listening carefully to what the members of our conference are saying, and at this point I don't see that,' Thune said. The reluctance to defy Trump on the war comes at a politically perilous time for Republicans, with public frustration mounting both over the conflict and its impact on gas prices.

Sen. Kevin Cramer said he would vote for an authorization of war if Trump asked for it. But Cramer questioned whether the resolution passed during the Vietnam War era, as a way for Congress to claw back its power, was constitutional. 'Our founders created a very strong executive, like it or not,' Cramer said.

Some GOP senators did make it clear that they eventually want Congress to have a say. Indiana Sen. Todd Young said in a statement that lawmakers 'must ensure that the people, through their elected representatives, weigh in on whether to send our military into combat.' He added that since the Trump administration is stating that 'the Iran conflict has ceased, there should be no hostilities moving forward,' and that if the conflict resumes, he expects the White House to work with Congress to pass an authorization for use of military force.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced she's working on a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) designed not just as authorization but also as 'restraint' on presidential power, which she intends to introduce when the Senate reconvenes if no credible plan is provided by then.

Democrats contend that a ceasefire doesn't mean the war is over. Sen. Tim Kaine told Fox News Digital: 'The ceasefire just means bombs aren't dropping. It doesn't mean that the war's not on.' He noted ongoing U.S. Navy operations blocking Iranian ports, which he characterized as an act of war.

The Los Angeles Times argues that the naval blockade constitutes a use of armed forces that activates the War Powers Resolution, requiring congressional authorization for military operations extending beyond 60 days. The piece contends that the blockade represents an ongoing military operation and cannot legitimately be characterized as 'friendly' when it deploys armed forces to restrict another nation's commerce and maritime access.

Without action from Congress on last week's deadline, the Trump administration now has 30 days to wind down military actions in Iran absent authorization from lawmakers. Democrats have signaled they may pursue legal action if the administration doesn't comply with this requirement, though some question whether the Supreme Court would constrain presidential war-making power.