Overview
- The 1973 War Powers law requires a green light from Congress after 60 days, and the U.S. operation in Iran has reached that limit.
- The White House has shown no sign it will seek the law’s single 30-day extension, which would need votes in both chambers.
- Democrats plan a sixth attempt to force an authorization vote after five earlier efforts failed under Republican control.
- Republicans are divided, with Sen. Lindsey Graham urging the president to ignore the deadline while Sen. Susan Collins says Congress should follow the law.
- U.S. forces continue a naval blockade in the Gulf despite a ceasefire, and legal scholars warn courts are unlikely to stop the war even if it violates the statute.