Washington, July 22: The Trump administration is under fire from both parties in the U.S. Senate following renewed military actions against Iran. President Donald Trump has requested an additional $87.6 billion in funding, which has sparked discontent among lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
During a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski discussed Trump’s budget proposal. She pointed out that military action commenced on February 28 without special congressional approval.
Under the War Powers Resolution, the President is generally required to conclude military engagements within 60 days unless Congress grants approval or extends the timeline.
Murkowski noted that Congress was informed on May 1 that hostilities had ceased. Subsequently, a memorandum was signed in June to maintain a ceasefire while negotiations continued. However, this agreement fell apart, leading to renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz. She stated that the administration sent Congress a new notification regarding war powers on July 10, initiating a new 60-day timeline.
“I am concerned about this process,” Murkowski said, “as it creates a situation where the President can effectively end the timeline for war powers just as a temporary ceasefire is declared, making it legally awkward.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that the Pentagon agrees with the White House’s stance that the President has sufficient constitutional authority to continue operations. Hegseth stated, “We currently possess all necessary authorities.”
Murkowski also questioned whether congressional approval for additional funding could be considered legal authorization for military operations. She referenced a 1999 legal opinion from the Justice Department regarding U.S. operations in Kosovo, which stated that additional budgetary approvals could satisfy the requirements of the War Powers Resolution, even if separate military authorization was not granted.
Hegseth indicated that he would consult with Pentagon lawyers before answering that question. He emphasized, “Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the President has the authority to conduct this operation to protect the American people.”
Democratic Senator Jack Reed raised concerns about whether airstrikes alone could defeat Iran and prevent further attacks.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Keen acknowledged the limitations of air power but refrained from commenting on the possibility of deploying U.S. ground troops. Keen remarked, “If we look at history, air power has its limits, and we must always be mindful of that.”
When asked if the Pentagon is preparing for a prolonged ground conflict, Keen stated that it would not be appropriate to comment on hypothetical military operations. He added that military planners develop various options and inform national leaders about the associated risks.
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