Trump is supposed to get Congress’ approval when the Iran war hits 60 days. Lawmakers can’t agree when that is | CNN Politics

A Vietnam-era law says Congress must sign off on the Iran war after the conflict hits the 60-day mark. The only problem: Lawmakers can’t agree when that deadline actually hits. And now they’ve left town. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president has 60 days to conduct military action in response to an imminent threat or an attack on the United States if Congress has not voted to authorize a war. Without explicit congressional authorization, the law says that once that deadline is reached, the president “shall terminate any use of the United States Armed Forces.” Many lawmakers see Friday, May 1, as the 60-day mark based on President Donald Trump notifying Congress of the beginning of hostilities on March 2. Some Senate Republicans argue that should mark an inflection point where Congress must step in and authorize the conflict or at least conduct further oversight. But others insist the president can unilaterally extend US military involvement for another 30 days. And some Republicans argue that ceasefire days do not count toward the total. The disagreement injects just the latest element of uncertainty into a conflict that has raised questions about Congress’ role