The 60-day War Powers deadline is up on Friday. What could happen next?
The 60-day War Powers deadline requiring the White House to seek congressional authorization for ongoing military operations in the Middle East expires on Friday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested the clock has paused due to a ceasefire, a claim met with skepticism by lawmakers concerned about constitutional and statutory overreach. Congress is in recess and not expected to reconvene until after the deadline, leaving uncertain what steps the administration or lawmakers will take next.
- ▪The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of initiating military action, starting a 60-day clock to either withdraw forces or seek authorization.
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the 60-day clock has paused during a ceasefire, a legal interpretation questioned by Senator Tim Kaine.
- ▪The Pentagon has spent $25 billion on the campaign so far and is expected to request $200 billion in supplemental funding, though Hegseth indicated the request may be lower.
- ▪Congress is in recess until May 11 for the Senate and May 12 for the House, missing the April 30 deadline.
- ▪Democrats have made six unsuccessful attempts to pass an Iran War Powers Resolution, while some Republicans argue the president has authority to act without congressional approval.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onThe 60-day War Powers deadline falls on Friday. What could happen next?The White House hasn't said what it will do when the deadline is up.ByLalee IbssaApril 30, 2026, 8:19 PM2:10M/V Sevan was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a U.S. Navy helicopter from guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney, April 25, 2026.U.S. Central Command As President Donald Trump continues to keep a military presence in the Middle East, the 60-day deadline for the administration to seek congressional authorization is up on Friday.
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