GOP Lawmakers Cite 60-Day Limit Under War Powers Resolution for Iran Operations

By Tom Boggioni

*Published: 2026-04-07*

President Donald Trump has warned that Iran faces severe consequences, stating "A whole civilization will die tonight" if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict, now in its 39th day as of April 7, 2026, stems from U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Iran has proposed a 10-point peace plan, which Trump rejected, describing it as "not good enough."

According to a report by The Hill, some Republican lawmakers have expressed support for invoking the War Powers Resolution of 1973 if U.S. military operations extend beyond 60 days without congressional approval. The resolution limits presidential authority to respond to emerging threats, requiring Congress to authorize continued action after that period.

The operations occur amid midterm election season. Trump initially indicated the mission would last four to five weeks but has since escalated, threatening strikes on Iranian infrastructure and not ruling out ground troops.

Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) addressed the issue in an op-ed published April 6, 2026. He stated that the president's actions in Iran are "consistent with his legal authority" under the War Powers Resolution and that he supports them "in defense of American lives and interests." However, Curtis wrote, "I will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval," arguing that 60 days provides sufficient time for emergency measures before Congress decides on a declaration of war.

Curtis's position reflects a broader dynamic in Congress. Senate Republicans recently blocked a Democratic resolution led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) aimed at curbing Trump's military authority against Iran, demonstrating continued GOP backing for the current approach despite calls for time limits.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) indicated to The Hill that he would consider supporting a war powers resolution if the conflict surpasses 60 days. Bacon noted Iran's history as a threat, stating it has "killed roughly a thousand Americans" over 47 years. He added that he hopes for a quick resolution but acknowledged that "the enemy has a vote."

Frustration over funding has also emerged within the GOP. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) told CNN's Manu Raju that she opposes Trump's requested $200 billion supplemental funding package for the Pentagon. "I've already told leadership, 'I am a no on any war supplementals,'" Boebert said. She cited concerns about domestic spending priorities, stating, "I am so tired of spending money elsewhere. I am tired of the industrial war complex getting all of our hard-earned tax dollars. I have folks in Colorado who can't afford to live."

The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli responses to Iranian actions, including threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Trump has framed the operations as necessary to protect American interests, while critics within his party emphasize constitutional checks on executive power.

Lawmakers' statements come as the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution nears a potential inflection point. The Hill reported that GOP members face a critical window—approximately six days from April 7—before pressure builds for a congressional vote on the president's authority.

This situation highlights tensions between executive action and legislative oversight. Curtis argued in his op-ed that the 60-day limit ensures presidents can address national threats promptly while remitting decisions to elected representatives.

Public and political reactions continue to evolve as the operations proceed. The White House has not commented on the lawmakers' positions, and Trump reiterated his warnings during a press appearance on the South Lawn.

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