Republicans say they will defer to Trump on Iran war despite arrival of deadline

National Republicans say they will defer to Trump on Iran war despite arrival of deadline May 1, 20263:27 AM ET By  The Associated Press From l-r., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Danial Caine, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and acting undersecretary of defense during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of Defense budget, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Thursday, April 30, 2026. Cliff Owen/AP hide caption toggle caption Cliff Owen/AP WASHINGTON — Many Republicans who have been uneasy with President Donald Trump's war in Iran emphasized that there would be a May 1 deadline for Congress to intervene. But the date is now set to pass with no action from GOP lawmakers who continue to defer to the White House. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days — a deadline that falls on Friday — or within 90 days if the president asks for an extension. But Congress made no attempt at enforcing that requirement, leaving town for a week on Thursday after the Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to halt the war for a sixth time. Sponsor Message The Trump administration has shown no interest in seeking congressional approval at all. It is arguing that the deadlines set by the law don't apply because the war in Iran effectively ended when a ceasefire began in early April. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday he doesn't plan on a vote to authorize force in Iran or otherwise weigh in. "I'm listening carefully to what the members of our conference are saying, and at this point I don't see that," Thune said. The reluctance to defy Trump on the war comes at a politically perilous time for Republicans, with public frustration mounting both over the conflict and its impact on gas prices. Still, most GOP lawmakers say they are supportive of Trump's wartime leadership, or are at least willing to give him more time amid the fragile ceasefire. Republica...