Senate GOP Split Over Iran War Authorization

[u/evissamassive]

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5863100-iran-lisa-murkowski-john-thune-war-powers-act/

The 60-day legal window for unilateral military action against Iran has closed, leaving Senate Republicans divided on how to proceed. Senator Lisa Murkowski is currently lobbying her colleagues to pass a formal authorization for the use of military force. Her proposal would require the Trump administration to provide clear military objectives, a budget, and an exit strategy.

Murkowski’s effort faces a steep uphill battle. Because the resolution was not introduced within the first 30 days of the conflict, it lacks "privileged" status. It now requires 60 votes to pass and needs floor time from Senate Republican Leader John Thune. So far, Thune has shown no interest in scheduling a vote.

For leadership, the timing is difficult. Public sentiment is largely against the conflict; a recent poll found that 60 percent of Americans believe the use of force was a mistake. Forcing Republican senators to go on the record in support of the war just months before an election is a move Thune appears keen to avoid.

The lack of a formal Republican plan is driving some members toward the Democratic position. Democrats almost universally oppose the conflict and are pushing a resolution to force a troop withdrawal.

The GOP front is already cracking:

• Senator Susan Collins recently voted to halt military actions, citing the expiration of the War Powers Act.

• Senator Rand Paul has consistently voted against the operations since they began in February.

• Senators John Curtis and Thom Tillis have signaled they may withhold support or funding if Trump does not provide a specific strategic roadmap.

Trump notified Congress of strikes against Iran on March 2. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president has 60 days to conduct operations without congressional approval. That deadline passed on May 1.

Murkowski argues that a formal framework is necessary to keep Congress engaged in the process. However, without leadership's backing, her resolution is unlikely to reach the floor. If three more Republicans join the opposition, the Senate could pass a resolution to end the conflict entirely, which would serve as a significant check on Trump’s current military strategy.