As Iran war hits 60 days, Democrats claim Trump needs approval to continue conflict
The conflict involving Iran reached the 60-day mark on Friday, and the Trump administration argues that it has effectively ended due to a fragile ceasefire that began in April, meaning congressional approval is no longer required. Under the War Powers Resolution, a president must wind down military operations after 60 days unless Congress authorizes an extension. Democrats have pushed to enforce those limits in an effort to restrict Trump’s military actions in Iran. Republicans have largely supported Trump, arguing that he has the authority to act against threats. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the administration’s position on Thursday during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, saying it was the administration’s “understanding” that the 60-day clock was paused while the two countries were in a ceasefire. Sen. Tim Kaine, who had asked Hegseth about the timeline, later told reporters that the defense secretary “advanced a very novel argument that I've never heard before” and “certainly has no legal support.” House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Hegseth, telling NBC News the U.S. is "not at war" with Iran because there is no “active, kinetic military bombing, firing or anything like that.” The Senate again defeated a war powers resolution on Thursday, marking the sixth time such a measure has failed. However, Sen. Susan Collins broke ranks to support it. “That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement,” Collins said. She added that “further military action against Iran must have a clear mission, achievable goals, and a defined strategy for bringing the conflict to a close." Richard Goldberg, who served as director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, said he has recommended that administration officials transition to a new operation, which he suggested could be called “Epic Passage,” a sequel to Operation Epic Fury. READ MORE: https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/... _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: 13 WHAM on Facebook: / 13wham 13 WHAM on Twitter: / 13wham 13WHAM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13whamtv/?h... 13WHAM on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@13wham?lang=en 13 WHAM Daily Local News Digest: • 13WHAM Local News Digest For more information, visit https://13wham.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: (585) 334-8700 WHAM is a NY based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Deerfield Media, Inc and receives certain services from an affiliation of Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #13WHAM #News #Rochester #NewYork
