Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Thursday on whether President Trump will seek congressional authorization for the war in Iran.
The inquiry highlights a potential constitutional clash over executive authority to wage war without a formal vote from Congress. Under the War Powers Resolution, the president must obtain authorization within 60 days [1] of starting hostilities or request a 30-day extension [2].
During the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol, Kaine pressed Hegseth on the administration's intentions as the legal window closes. "We’re right at the 60-day deadline," Kaine said.
The resolution remains a point of contention between the executive and legislative branches. While some interpretations suggest a cease-fire might stop the clock for congressional approval, other perspectives maintain the 60-day deadline proceeds regardless of such agreements [3].
Hegseth's testimony also touched upon broader fiscal priorities for the military. The Defense Secretary cited a budget request ranging from nearly $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion [4, 5] to support national security objectives.
Kaine's questioning underscores the tension regarding the legal requirements for sustained military action. The administration must now decide whether to formally request the extension, or seek a full authorization from the Senate and House to avoid violating the resolution.
“"We’re right at the 60-day deadline."”
The confrontation underscores a recurring struggle over the War Powers Resolution, which seeks to limit a president's ability to commit U.S. forces to prolonged conflict without legislative consent. If the Trump administration bypasses this authorization, it could trigger a constitutional crisis or lead to legislative efforts to restrict funding for the conflict in Iran.
