Key facts
- The U.S. Congress has passed resolutions that could block President Trump from continuing hostilities in Iran.
- The House voted for a war powers resolution on June 4, and the Senate advanced a similar measure on May 19.
- The War Powers Act of 1973 requires presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours of hostilities and limits military action to 60 days without approval.
- President Trump declared hostilities terminated due to a ceasefire, a claim questioned by legal experts.
- Both resolutions face significant hurdles, including potential presidential vetoes and leadership opposition to votes.
For the first time since hostilities began on February 28, the Republican-led U.S. Congress has backed resolutions that could block President Donald Trump from continuing military action against Iran. The House of Representatives voted in favor of a war powers resolution on June 4, and the Senate advanced a similar measure in a procedural vote on May 19. These votes reflect growing concern among members of Trump's party about the three-month-long conflict.
The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of initiating hostilities and mandates that military action begun without congressional approval must end within 60 days, unless an emergency is declared. President Trump declared the hostilities terminated by a ceasefire, despite ongoing attacks and a blockade of Iranian ports, an argument legal experts suggest may not withstand judicial scrutiny.
The law allows Congress to vote on war powers resolutions to end hostilities not authorized by the legislature. These resolutions are privileged, enabling votes even without leadership approval. The Senate has considered seven resolutions and the House four related to the Iran conflict since U.S. and Israeli forces began bombing over 100 days ago.
Both current resolutions face significant obstacles. The Senate measure has only passed a procedural vote and must clear the full chamber and then the House, where Republican leaders are unlikely to permit a vote. Even if passed by both chambers, it would require a two-thirds majority to override an expected presidential veto. The House measure must pass the Senate, and its "privileged" status is pending review by the parliamentarian. If not privileged, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is not expected to allow a vote.
Supporters of the resolutions argue they are crucial for reclaiming Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and rein in presidential power. Opponents, however, contend the resolutions are political posturing that emboldens adversaries and may infringe on the president's role as commander in chief. Experts emphasize the importance of these votes, with one war powers expert noting the House resolution sends a strong signal that lawmakers believe the war has persisted too long and may violate the War Powers Resolution and the Constitution. President Trump has criticized the resolutions as unpatriotic and urged Republicans who sided with Democrats to be ashamed.
The ongoing conflict and congressional actions could influence the upcoming November elections, with recent Reuters polling indicating that only 36% of Americans approve of U.S. strikes on Iran, and just 25% believe the benefits have outweighed the costs.