Trump administration officials convened with members of Congress regarding congressional authorization for the war in Iran, as President Donald Trump faces a deadline in the conflict under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
According to CBS News, the War Powers Resolution provides a timeline for when federal officials must be notified of hostilities and when the Chief Executive “is required to withdraw American forces from a conflict in the absence of congressional authorization.”
The president is ordered to formally inform Congress within 48 hours of placing American forces into a conflict. Once lawmakers are notified, the president has 60 days to end the use of force unless Congress has officially declared war or authorized the use of military force, according to the resolution.
"President Trump has been transparent with the Hill since before Operation Epic Fury began, and administration officials provided over 30 bipartisan briefings for members of Congress to keep them apprised of military updates," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement regarding the matter.
With the launch of “Operation Epic Fury” on Feb. 28, 2026, President Trump formally informed congressional leaders of the campaign in a letter on Mar. 2, 2026, marking the 60-day deadline to May 1, 2026.
If Congressional authorization is not received, the law grants the Commander-in-Chief an additional 30 days to safely withdraw forces from hostilities, without authority to continue an offensive campaign.
Since the beginning of the Iran war, Republicans have exercised bicameral efforts to block more than half a dozen Democratic war powers resolutions, as they seek to limit President Trump’s ability to strike the Islamic Republic.
According to CBS News, some GOP members have hinted at a change in position as the deadline approaches.
Democrats in both chambers plan to continue forcing votes on the matter to put Congressional Republicans on the record.
