Republican Senators Push AUMF to Authorize Iran War
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- Sen. Lisa Murkowski leads the draft AUMF, citing the Feb. 28 start of U.S. strikes and the looming 60‑day deadline that triggers a required congressional vote.
- Rep. Don Bacon warns that law requires a vote to approve or stop operations, emphasizing the 60‑day statutory deadline.
- Senate rejected four war‑powers resolutions, reflecting bipartisan reluctance to end the Iran conflict without formal authorization.
- House voted down two war‑powers resolutions, mirroring Senate inaction and pushing Republicans toward an AUMF.
- Jamal Abdi of the National Iranian American Council frames the AUMF debate as an opportunity for transparency and a broader discussion on U.S. war powers.
Why it matters: Republican senators, after four Senate war‑powers votes failed, are moving to approve an AUMF before the 60‑day deadline, securing a legal mandate that extends U.S. combat operations, boosting defense‑contractor revenue while deepening Iran’s isolation.
