Republicans Shrug Off 60-Day War Powers Deadline, Hand Trump Blank Check on Iran

Congressional Republicans have quietly handed President Donald Trump a blank check to continue military operations in Iran, ignoring the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution that requires congressional approval for sustained hostilities. The deadline, which fell on May 1, passed without any meaningful action from GOP lawmakers, who remain reluctant to challenge the president despite growing concerns over the war’s impact on gas prices and national security.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was designed to rein in presidential war-making powers by forcing Congress to either authorize or end military engagements within 60 days. Yet, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) signaled no intention to call a vote or assert legislative authority, effectively deferring to the White House’s position that the clock has stopped due to the ceasefire that began in early April.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this stance during a recent hearing, claiming the ceasefire “pauses or stops” the 60-day countdown. A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, further argued that hostilities “have terminated” since no direct exchanges of fire have occurred since April 7. This reasoning strains credulity as Iran continues to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. Navy enforces a blockade against Iranian oil tankers.

Democrats like Senators Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff have dismissed the administration’s interpretation as legally baseless. Schiff pointed out that the continued deployment of warships and military assets means the conflict is ongoing, and merely halting some offensive operations does not reset the War Powers clock.

Some Republicans, including Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, John Curtis, Thom Tillis, and Josh Hawley, have voiced that Congress should eventually reclaim its constitutional role. Murkowski plans to introduce a limited authorization for military force if the administration does not present a “credible plan” upon returning from recess. Collins, who voted with Democrats to halt the war, emphasized that the president’s commander-in-chief powers “are not without limits” and that the 60-day deadline “is not a suggestion, it is a requirement.”

Still, the GOP majority remains unwilling to confront Trump directly on the issue, citing political risks amid public dissatisfaction and the fragile ceasefire. Thune suggested the White House increase briefings and hearings to ease lawmakers’ concerns rather than submit to a formal vote.

This abdication of congressional responsibility marks yet another erosion of democratic checks and balances under the Trump administration. By allowing the president to bypass legal constraints on war powers, Republicans are enabling unchecked executive overreach and risking further entanglement in an open-ended conflict with no clear strategy or accountability.