Congress shrugs off Friday deadline for 60-day limit on Iran conflict: ‘We are not at war’
Congress has not taken action to reauthorize military operations in Iran by the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act, with top lawmakers and administration officials asserting that a ceasefire negates the need for immediate authorization. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that ongoing peace efforts and the halt in active combat mean the U.S. is no longer at war, thus pausing the legal clock. The White House maintains it has kept Congress informed and continues diplomatic talks with Iran while enforcing a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, marking 60 days on April 30, 2026, triggering War Powers Act considerations.
- ▪Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed the 60-day clock under the War Powers Act stops during a ceasefire, citing the April 7 announcement by President Trump.
- ▪House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Congress does not need to reauthorize military action because the U.S. is not currently engaged in active combat in Iran.
- ▪A Senate resolution to end military action against Iran failed 47-50 on Thursday, reflecting partisan division over war powers.
- ▪The Trump administration has imposed a blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz while engaging in active negotiations with Iran for a permanent ceasefire.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Politics Congress shrugs off Friday deadline for 60-day limit on Iran conflict: ‘We are not at war’ By Ryan King Published April 30, 2026, 4:27 p.m. ET WASHINGTON — Top congressional lawmakers shrugged off the supposed Friday deadline to reauthorize the war in Iran, given that it’ll be 60 days since Operation Epic Fury began. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) openly questioned whether reauthorization was even necessary, and Senate GOP lawmakers similarly brushed aside the supposed deadline. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed the 60-day clock stopped running after President Trump announced the military ceasefire on April 7. “We are in a ceasefire right now,” Hegseth said Thursday during Senate testimony.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
