Defense Secretary Hegseth Claims Ceasefire Pauses War Powers Clock on Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asserted that the current ceasefire with Iran effectively pauses the War Powers Resolution's 60-day clock, which would otherwise require President Trump to seek congressional approval to continue military operations. This claim was made during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, where Hegseth argued that the ceasefire halts the countdown that mandates either congressional consent or the termination of military actions after 60 days. Senator Tim Kaine challenged this interpretation, expressing constitutional concerns and disputing the legal basis for Hegseth's claim. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of military action, and mandates the cessation of hostilities within 60 days unless Congress authorizes an extension. The Trump administration has been in discussions with lawmakers regarding this issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining military authority abroad. 
