What Is the War Powers Act? Can Congress Limit Trump’s Attacks on Iran?

 

The United States Congress is preparing to vote on a draft resolution that could limit the authority of Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran without clear approval from lawmakers.

The debate comes after recent airstrikes carried out by US forces alongside Israel inside Iran. While the Trump administration argues the strikes were necessary to prevent an imminent threat, many lawmakers—especially Democrats—say the attacks may violate constitutional rules about war.

At the centre of this debate is a law known as the War Powers Resolution.

What Is the War Powers Act?

The War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973 after the Vietnam War. Lawmakers wanted to restore Congress’s constitutional role in decisions about war and peace.

According to the United States Constitution, only Congress has the power to officially declare war. However, the president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, meaning they can order military operations when national security is at risk.

The 1973 law tried to balance these powers.

It allows the president to deploy troops without prior congressional approval only in limited circumstances, such as:

• If the United States is attacked

• If there is an immediate threat to national security

However, the law also requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours after sending troops into conflict.

If Congress does not approve the action, the president must withdraw US forces within 60 days.

Why Is Congress Voting Now?

The vote is being triggered by Trump’s decision to strike Iran without first asking Congress for permission.

Officials in the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, say the attack was justified because of intelligence indicating a possible threat to American forces.

Republican leaders such as House Speaker Mike Johnson argue that Trump acted within his authority as commander-in-chief and that the strikes were limited and defensive.

But many Democrats disagree.

Senator Tim Kaine, who is leading the effort in the Senate, says Congress has a constitutional responsibility to vote when American troops could become involved in a longer conflict.

Critics also say the administration has given different explanations for the operation, ranging from stopping Iran’s nuclear programme to destroying missile systems or even seeking regime change.

Can Congress Actually Stop the War?

Even if both chambers of Congress pass the War Powers resolution, it does not guarantee the conflict will stop.

Trump could veto the resolution.

To override a presidential veto, Congress would need a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate—something that is very difficult given the current political balance.

Because of this, the vote may have more political and symbolic significance than immediate military consequences.

Still, supporters say it forces lawmakers to take a public position and pressures the administration to justify its actions.

The Bigger Constitutional Debate

The conflict highlights a long-running debate in American politics: how much power the president should have to use military force without congressional approval.

While the United States has fought many wars since World War II, Congress has rarely issued formal declarations of war. Instead, presidents have often relied on broad interpretations of their authority.

The upcoming vote may not end the military campaign, but it will clearly show how strongly Congress wants to hold the president accountable for decisions about war.