WASHINGTON — Congress departed Washington for a one-week recess on Thursday without voting to authorize President Donald Trump's use of military force in Iran under the War Powers Resolution. The 60-day deadline for Congress to declare war or authorize force under the resolution falls on May 1, 2026.

The Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to halt the war in Iran for a sixth time on Thursday. The Trump administration is not seeking congressional approval for the conflict, arguing the War Powers Resolution deadlines do not apply because the war effectively ended when a ceasefire began in early April. The U.S. military and Iran have not exchanged fire since the two-week ceasefire that began on April 7, 2026.

"We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means, the 60-day clock pauses or stops," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days, or within 90 days if the president asks for an extension. The statute also allows a 30-day extension to withdraw forces, but requires notifying Congress.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday he does not 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. He suggested that the White House should increase its outreach to lawmakers through briefings and hearings to maintain support from Capitol Hill. "Obviously, getting readouts from our military leadership on a somewhat regular basis I think will be helpful in terms of shaping the views of our members about how comfortable they are with everything that's happening there, and the direction headed forward," he said.

Senator Lisa Murkowski said she will introduce a limited authorization for use of military force when the Senate returns from recess if the administration has not presented a credible plan. "I do not believe we should engage in open-ended military action without clear accountability," Murkowski said. "Congress has a role," she added.

Senator Susan Collins voted to halt the war in Iran for the first time on Thursday and said she wants to see a defined strategy for ending the conflict. Senators John Curtis, Thom Tillis and Josh Hawley have said in recent weeks they would like Congress to eventually hold a vote to authorize the war. Curtis said he would not support continued funding for the war until Congress votes to authorize it.

Republican lawmakers have said they will continue to defer to Trump during the ceasefire. Iran has continued to restrict maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. Navy is maintaining a blockade to prevent Iran's oil tankers from reaching open waters.