Hegseth Says Iran Cease-Fire Stops Clock for Congressional Approval
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that President Trump is not required to seek congressional authorization to continue the war beyond 60 days due to a cease-fire agreement with Iran, which he says pauses the War Powers Resolution clock.
- The 60-day deadline marks when a president must either withdraw forces, seek congressional approval, or request a 30-day extension for ongoing military action, a point some Republicans view as critical for reassessing support.
- Hegseth stated the cease-fire effectively stops the 60-day countdown but declined to say whether the White House would seek formal authorization to continue the military campaign.
- His interpretation of the War Powers Resolution is considered novel and has been disputed by some legal experts.
- Hegseth's testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee was marked by a defiant tone amid lawmakers' concerns about the war in Iran and his leadership.
