Lawmakers Debate Legal Basis for Additional Iran Conflict Funding

In a contentious session of the Senate Appropriations Committee, senators from both sides examined the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s request for $87.6 billion to fund the ongoing Iran campaign. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski pointed out that the initial February 28 air campaign was launched before Congress granted a specific war‑powers authorization. According to the War Powers Resolution, a president must end hostilities within 60 days unless Congress extends the limit. Murkowski reminded the chamber that the White House reported the conflict’s end on May 1, followed by a cease‑fire agreement in June meant to hold the peace while negotiations continued. That cease‑fire later unraveled, leading to renewed strikes around the Hormuz Strait. On July 10, the Pentagon sent a fresh notice to Congress, resetting the legal countdown. Murkowski expressed worry that the administration could repeatedly reset the deadline each time a temporary truce is declared, eroding congressional control. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the president retains sufficient constitutional authority to keep the operation alive, but said he would consult Pentagon attorneys before answering whether the supplemental funding itself satisfies the War Powers Act. In addition, Democratic Senator Jack Reed pressed the panel on whether air strikes could alone defeat Iran and stave off future attacks, while Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kennedy acknowledged the limits of air power but declined to discuss ground‑troop deployment, noting that military planners prepare multiple courses of action for leaders.