"Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days, a deadline that falls on Friday, or within 90 days if the president asks for an extension. But Congress made no attempt at enforcing that requirement, leaving town for a week on Thursday after the Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to halt the war for a sixth time."
"Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday he doesn't plan on a vote to authorize force in Iran or otherwise weigh in. 'I'm listening carefully to what the members of our conference are saying, and at this point I don't see that,' Thune said."
"Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota says he'd vote for an authorization of war if Trump asked for it. But he questioned if the War Powers Resolution, passed during the Vietnam War era as a way for Congress to claw back its power, is even constitutional."
"Still, some GOP senators made clear that they eventually want Congress to have a say. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a floor speech Thursday that she believes Congress should be involved in decisions regarding military action."
Republican lawmakers have not acted on the May 1 deadline to intervene in President Trump's war in Iran, deferring to the White House. The War Powers Resolution requires Congress to declare war or authorize force within 60 days, but no attempts were made to enforce this. The Trump administration claims the law's deadlines do not apply due to a ceasefire. Many GOP members support Trump's leadership, while some express a desire for congressional involvement in future decisions regarding military action.
Read at www.npr.org
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