Congress Seeks Trump's Exit Plan as Iran War Drags On

Lawmakers question strategy and costs as military campaign continues without congressional approval.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:10am

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President Donald Trump launched the U.S.-led war with Iran without a vote of support from Congress, and lawmakers are increasingly questioning when, how and at what cost the conflict will end. Republicans have largely stood by the president, but are now facing more consequential wartime choices as the administration seeks billions in new spending for the effort. Congress retains the power of the purse, and some members are pushing back on the escalating costs, arguing the country has other priorities like healthcare and food assistance programs.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict with Iran is testing the resolve of Congress, which is controlled by the president's own party. Republicans have so far backed Trump's actions, but may face blowback as the war drags on and the administration's stated goals remain unclear. The ability of Congress to check the president's war powers is being put to the test.

The details

Under the War Powers Act, the president can conduct military operations for 60 days without approval from Congress. So far, Republicans have easily voted down several resolutions from Democrats designed to halt the military campaign. However, the administration will need to show a more comprehensive strategy ahead or risk blowback from Congress, especially as they are simultaneously being asked to approve billions in new spending. The Pentagon has told the White House it is seeking an additional $200 billion for the war effort, an extraordinary amount that is unlikely to win support from lawmakers.

  • The president can conduct military operations for 60 days without approval from Congress.
  • The administration will need to show a more comprehensive strategy ahead of the 60-day mark or risk blowback from Congress.

The players

Donald Trump

The Republican president who launched the U.S.-led war with Iran without a vote of support from Congress.

Thom Tillis

A Republican senator from North Carolina who says there needs to be a clear strategic articulation of the objectives for the war.

Mark Warner

The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, who has questioned the administration's shifting and elusive goals for the conflict.

Mike Johnson

The Republican House Speaker who has said the military operation will be over quickly, though he acknowledged Iran's ability to threaten ships is "dragging it out a little bit."

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Democratic leader who called the Pentagon's request for an additional $200 billion for the war effort "preposterous."

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What they’re saying

“The real question is: What ultimately are we trying to accomplish?”

— Thom Tillis, Senator, Republican of North Carolina

“When he feels it in his bones? That's crazy.”

— Mark Warner, Senator, Democrat of Virginia

“I do think the original mission is virtually accomplished now.”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker, Republican of Louisiana

“How about not taking away funding for Medicaid, which will impact millions of people. How about making sure SNAP is funded.”

— Mazie Hirono, Senator, Democrat of Hawaii

“When you get into the 45-day mark, you've got to start articulating one of two things — an authorization for the use of military force to sustain it beyond that or a very clear path on exit.”

— Thom Tillis, Senator, Republican of North Carolina

What’s next

The administration will need to show a more comprehensive strategy ahead of the 60-day mark under the War Powers Act or risk blowback from Congress, especially as they are simultaneously being asked to approve billions in new spending for the war effort.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict with Iran is testing the limits of Congress' ability to check the president's war powers, as lawmakers from both parties question the administration's shifting goals and the escalating costs of the military campaign. The outcome could have lasting implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.