Hegseth Tells Congress Iran Cease-Fire Pauses War Powers Deadline

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Congress that the cease-fire agreement with Iran pauses the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution. This deadline requires presidents to seek congressional authorization for ongoing military actions or begin withdrawing forces.

Hegseth's interpretation means President Trump does not need to comply with the law at this time, as the cease-fire stops the clock. The statement occurred during Hegseth's testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, one day before the 60-day mark from the start of the war.

He described the cease-fire as halting any obligation for authorization.

During a House committee hearing on Wednesday, Pentagon officials reported that the Iran war, known as Operation Epic Fury, has cost $25 billion so far, primarily in munitions. The acting comptroller indicated a supplemental funding request would be formulated once a full assessment is complete.

The hearings focused on the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. Republicans emphasized using the budget to rebuild domestic military manufacturing.

A House Democrat accused Hegseth of war crimes in connection with the Iran war and U.S. military actions against alleged drug runners. The accusation was made during a CNN interview, where the lawmaker affirmed Hegseth's guilt. Hegseth rebuked critics in Congress, calling Democratic lawmakers feckless and referring to opponents of the war as reckless naysayers.

He echoed these sentiments in both House and Senate testimonies.

“The biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless naysayers and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.”

The Senate approved a 45-day extension of FISA Section 702 surveillance powers on Thursday, sending it back to the House. President Trump advocated for a clean extension, citing its necessity for the ongoing Iran war. The extension allows warrantless surveillance of foreigners but has raised concerns over potential collection of American data.

Senate leaders indicated discussions on reforms could follow to address abuses. Democrats have pushed resolutions to terminate hostilities in Iran, but Republicans have supported the president in votes. The war has entered its 59th day, with focus on the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and its effects on global oil markets.

Hegseth declined to speculate on the war's duration, refusing to label it a quagmire. Lawmakers from both parties expressed concerns over costs and the administration's transparency.

The War Powers Resolution requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing forces and seek approval after 60 days. Hegseth's reading of the statute as paused by the cease-fire has been disputed by some legal experts. Republicans have pointed to the 60-day milestone as a potential point to demand a vote on continuing the war.

The conflict began after President Trump's official notice to Congress. The budget hearing highlighted divisions, with Democrats pressing for details on undistributed funding for Ukraine and Republicans focusing on domestic job creation through military investments.