Trump’s Iran War Clock Hits 60 Days, But Congress Is AWOL on Accountability

Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president must secure congressional approval for military action within 60 days—or else end it. That clock is ticking loudly now as May 1 marks the 60-day deadline since Trump notified Congress of hostilities against Iran on March 2. Yet, Congress remains paralyzed, squabbling over when the clock actually stops and whether the president can extend the war unilaterally for another 30 days.

Some Senate Republicans argue that the current ceasefire pauses the 60-day countdown, allowing Trump to continue military operations without congressional sign-off. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the clock “stops” during ceasefire. Others push back, insisting the law demands action now—either authorize the war or end it.

Democrats like Sen. Adam Schiff call the war illegal from the start, citing a lack of imminent threat to justify Trump’s unilateral military escalation. Schiff and a bipartisan group have repeatedly pushed for votes requiring congressional approval for ongoing conflict with Iran. Their efforts have failed so far, but cracks are showing: Republican Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul joined Democrats in opposing indefinite military action without clear authorization.

Even Senate Majority Leader John Thune signals no rush to take up war authorization, leaving the conflict in legal limbo. Meanwhile, Sen. Lisa Murkowski warns she will introduce a formal authorization measure if the White House does not present a credible plan soon. She insists Congress must reclaim its constitutional role in declaring war and overseeing military engagement.

This standoff exposes a dangerous erosion of congressional war powers and accountability. Trump’s administration exploits ambiguities and congressional distraction to wage open-ended conflict abroad while avoiding scrutiny at home. Without decisive legislative action, this “war by default” threatens to become permanent, sidelining the very constitutional safeguards meant to prevent unchecked executive military power.

The clock is ticking, but Congress seems content to watch it run out. That abdication risks dragging the country deeper into an unauthorized and potentially endless war. We will keep tracking who steps up to hold power accountable—and who lets democracy slip further away.