Trump aims to reset war powers clock with controversial bid to bypass CongressPresident Donald Trump informed Congress Friday that a ceasefire with Iran has ended hostilities and reset the clock on congressional war powers limits, but legal experts say ongoing military operations complicate that claim.
"For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated," a senior administration official told Fox News Digital.
"Both parties agreed to a 2-week ceasefire on Tuesday, April 7 that has since been extended," the official went on. "There has been no exchange of fire between U.S. Armed Forces and Iran since Tuesday, April 7."
The White House formally notified Congress in a letter Friday under the War Powers Resolution that it considers hostilities to have ended following the ceasefire.
For decades, presidents of both parties have pushed the limits of the War Powers Resolution, seeking flexibility to conduct military operations without being hindered by a congressional vote.
The law requires the president to end the use of U.S. forces within 60 days of entering hostilities unless Congress authorizes the operation, with a limited extension allowed for withdrawal.
The more than two-month conflict has exposed sharply different interpretations of the law and whether the White House must seek congressional approval. Bombing ceased on April 7, but U.S. forces continue enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz — an operation widely considered an act of war.
"A ceasefire does not automatically suspend the War Powers 60-day clock," said John Bellinger, who served as legal adviser to the State Department and National Security Council under President George W. Bush.
.............Congress has periodically challenged similar interpretations in past conflicts but has rarely forced a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Courts have also largely stayed out of War Powers disputes, leaving presidents with significant latitude to define the scope of hostilities.
If Congress does not act, the administration could continue operations without new authorization.
"It’s really up to Congress, and as often as not, Congress doesn’t want to push back," Pomper said....................
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-aims-reset-war-powers-clock-controversial-bid-bypass-congress
