Democrats see a war powers shift coming. Republicans say not so fast.April 29 will mark 60 days since the U.S. first struck Iran. Democrats say that should mean Trump needs an authorization for Iran. When lawmakers return to Capitol Hill next week, with April 29 marking 60 days since the U.S. began strikes against Iran, Democrats are hoping Republicans may finally be ready to rein in President Donald Trump’s war authority.
That may be wishful thinking.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must terminate the use of armed forces after 60 days unless Congress authorizes military action, though the president could request a 30-day extension to ensure the safe withdrawal of troops and the extra time is not meant to continue combat operations.
For weeks, Democrats have been eying April 29 as a potential inflection point for a war powers resolution, which could constrain Trump’s military authority in Iran. As the date nears, Democrats have been increasing the pressure.
“There has to be a vote at the end of 60 days, and my Republicans, if they have any respect for the law and the Constitution, will vote to end this war,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Congress needs to take back its power over declarations of war.”
He added that, “come April 29, my Republican colleagues are gonna be put to the test.”
“The American people want this war to end,” Blumenthal said. “They’re going to be held accountable if they allow it to continue, and this day will be a marker, a milestone and potentially a measure of accountability.”
But if you ask Republicans about that April 29 date, as MS NOW did this week, they will come back with a litany of reasons they are not ready.
For one, Republicans expect Trump to request a 30-day extension, arguing that such a move would be in compliance with the law. For another, some have suggested various ceasefires warrant more time. And still some others say they do not want to curb the president’s military authority, particularly when negotiations — at least by Trump’s claims — are ongoing.............
https://www.ms.now/news/democrats-war-powers-shift-republicans-not-so-fast
