Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers Tuesday that the White House does not need congressional approval to engage in military action against Iran.
The exchange highlights a growing tension between executive authority and legislative oversight regarding the U.S. entry into a potential conflict. If the administration bypasses Congress, it risks a constitutional clash over the limits of presidential power during wartime.
During hearings before the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees in Washington, D.C., Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) questioned Hegseth on whether the administration would seek formal authorization. Murkowski cited the War Powers Resolution, which mandates that a president terminate hostilities within 60 days [1] if Congress does not provide authorization.
"The War Powers Resolution is pretty clear here," Murkowski said. "It requires the president to terminate hostilities within 60 days absent congressional authorization" [1].
Hegseth dismissed the necessity of such a vote. "We don't need it," Hegseth said [2].
The secretary said that the executive branch possesses the legal standing to act independently if the president chooses to restart military operations. "Should the president make the decision to recommence … we would have all the authorities necessary to do so," Hegseth said [3].
The confrontation occurred amid broader discussions regarding the defense budget, which was cited at $1.5 trillion [4]. While Murkowski argued that the law requires a legislative check on prolonged conflict, Hegseth said that existing executive authorities are sufficient to manage the situation in Iran.
This disagreement centers on the interpretation of the War Powers Resolution, a law designed to prevent the U.S. from entering undeclared wars without legislative consent. Hegseth's position suggests the administration views the current geopolitical climate as an exception or believes existing authorizations cover the necessary actions.
“"We don't need it."”
The clash between Hegseth and Murkowski signals a potential executive strategy to prioritize speed and presidential discretion over legislative consensus in the Middle East. By rejecting the 60-day timeline of the War Powers Resolution, the administration is asserting a broad interpretation of Commander-in-Chief powers, which may lead to legal challenges or a standoff with Congress over funding and authority if a full-scale conflict erupts.
