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60 Days
Under the War Powers Resolution, a president may send U.S. armed forces into hostilities for 60 days without Congressional authorization. After that, Congress must vote to approve or the troops must withdraw. The clock started on March 2, 2026, when the administration formally notified Congress of military action against Iran. It expired on May 1.
The administration argued the deadline no longer applied because a ceasefire with Iran halted hostilities before the 60 days elapsed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional and that every president since 1973 has taken the same position.
50-47
Senator Tammy Duckworth led a resolution under the War Powers Act to force a vote on whether to authorize the conflict or compel withdrawal. On the seventh attempt since the war began, the Senate voted 50-47 to advance the resolution.
50-47. The closest vote yet. Three Republicans crossed over. It needed 60. Then the majority called off the final vote.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted for the resolution for the first time. She joined Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky in backing the measure. It was the first time three Republican senators crossed over on an Iran war powers vote.
The resolution advanced 50-47 to proceed, but needed 60 to end debate. Before the final vote could take place, Republican leadership called it off.
The Constitutional Question
The War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973 over President Nixon’s veto. It was designed to prevent exactly this situation. No president since has accepted its constitutionality. Every president since has used military force without Congressional authorization beyond the 60-day window at least once.
The question is not whether the law is clear. It is whether Congress will enforce it. A majority of the Senate voted to assert its war powers authority. The procedural threshold of 60 votes prevented the assertion from becoming action. The war continued.
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