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Trump administration rejects need for Iran war Congressional approval despite deadline – US politics live
TL;DR
The Trump administration has rejected the need for Congressional approval regarding the Iran war, claiming the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act has been paused due to a ceasefire agreement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that hostilities have effectively terminated.
Key points
- Trump administration rejects Congressional approval for Iran war
- 60-day deadline under War Powers Act has been claimed to be paused
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified about the ceasefire agreement
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpPete Hegseth
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Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the day.
Today marks 60 days since the Trump administration notified Congress that it was carrying out strikes on Iran – meaning that under the War Powers Act of 1973, today is the deadline for Donald Trump to either end the Iran war or seek congressional authorization to extend it.
However, the Trump administration has repeatedly rejected the deadline, with Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, testifying before a heated Senate armed services committee that the ceasefire agreement reached with Iran more than three weeks ago “means the 60-day clock pauses, or stops”.
Hegseths’s comments reflect what a senior Trump administration official told the Guardian earlier: “For war powers resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated,” the official said.
On Thursday, Senate Republicans again blocked a war powers resolution put forth by Democrat Adam Schiff that would have limited the conflict until Congress authorizes further military action.
This was the sixth time that Democrats have forced a vote on a war powers resolution related to the war in Iran, all of which have failed, mostly along party lines. But Republicans in recent weeks have said they would eventually like to see a vote and two Republicans – Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky – voted in favor of the resolution on Thursday (one Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, opposed it).
“As I have said since these hostilities with Iran began, the president’s authority as commander-in-chief is not without limits,” Collins said on X. “The constitution gives Congress an essential role in decisions of war and peace, and the War Powers Act establishes a clear 60-day deadline for Congress to either authorize or end US involvement in foreign hostilities. That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement.”
In other developments:
- Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor in Washington DC, released edited security-camera video of the incident at the White House correspondents’ dinner amid questions about whether or not the suspected gunman, , fired his weapon before being subdued. While the four muzzles flashes from the agent’s gun as he fired at Allen, it was not immediately clear that it does show Allen discharging his weapon after he pointed it at the agent.
Q&A
What is the War Powers Act of 1973 and how does it apply to the Iran war?
The War Powers Act of 1973 requires the President to seek Congressional approval for military actions lasting longer than 60 days, which the Trump administration claims is not applicable due to a ceasefire.
Who is Pete Hegseth and what did he say about the Iran war?
Pete Hegseth is the defense secretary who testified that the ceasefire agreement with Iran means the 60-day deadline for Congressional approval has been paused or stopped.
What are the implications of the Trump administration's stance on Congressional approval for military actions?
The administration's rejection of the need for Congressional approval raises concerns about executive power and accountability in military engagements.
