May 1, 2026
Republicans largely support Trump, some demand Congressional vote as deadline passes
The deadline for the Trump administration to get congressional approval for the Iran war or end the conflict was set to pass on Friday without action from lawmakers.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday he has no plans to intervene or hold a vote to authorize force in Iran: “I’ve been listening carefully to what members of our conference are saying, and at this point I don’t see that,” he said.
The Trump administration says it believes the law requiring the president to seek congressional approval after a 60-day conflict does not apply because hostilities with Iran were “ceased” by the ceasefire implemented on April 7.
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he would vote to authorize the war if President Donald Trump asked.
Many other Republicans, who initially supported limited action against Tehran, have said they want Congress to have a chance to have a say on longer action.
John Curtis of Utah said the 60-day deadline demanded action and that he would not support more funding for the war without the legislature’s permission.
“This is a time for decision-making on the part of both the administration and Congress — and it can happen in concert with each other, not in conflict,” Curtis said.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said she would initiate limited authorized use of military force if the administration does not present what she called a “credible plan.”
Murkowski said, “I do not believe that we should engage in overt military action without clear accountability.” “Congress has a role.”
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who voted for the first time Thursday in favor of a Democrat proposal to end military action in Iran, said the 60-day deadline is “not a suggestion, it’s a requirement.”
“The President’s powers as Commander-in-Chief are not unlimited,” he said.
The war and its associated costs have become increasingly unpopular, likely causing some Republican lawmakers to worry ahead of the midterm elections later this year.