Congress continues to defer to White House over approval of Iran war as deadline passes

As the May 1 deadline passes for Congress to intervene in the war in Iran, GOP lawmakers signal they will continue to defer to the White House. 

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, Congress must either declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days. The president can ask for an extension within 90 days, according to the Associated Press. 

So far, Congress hasn't enforced the resolution and the Senate rejected a Democratic effort on Thursday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said on Thursday that he has no plans to authorize the use of force in Iran or otherwise intervene in the matter. 

The Trump administration argues that the law doesn't apply because the ceasefire in early April ended major hostilities. 

The War Powers Resolution was passed as a direct response to how the Vietnam War was conducted without Congress ever formally declaring war. Former President Richard Nixon vetoed the bill after Congress passed it, arguing it is unconstitutional. Congress overrode the president's veto in November 1973.