Collins and Tillis May Block Trump Iran War Powers After 60 Days

Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina are signaling a major shift on Trump's war powers regarding Iran. Both had previously voted against Democratic efforts to limit the president's military authority.

Collins made her position clear in a statement: "If this conflict exceeds the 60 days specified in the War Powers Act, or if the President deploys troops on the ground, I believe that Congress should have to authorize those actions."

The War Powers Act is a 1973 law that lets presidents use military force for 60 days without congressional approval. After that, Congress must vote to authorize continued action.

This represents a notable change for both senators, who have generally supported giving presidents broad military authority. Their shift could signal growing Republican concern about extended military conflicts without congressional oversight.

The timing matters because it suggests even Trump-supporting Republicans have limits on how long they'll back military action without a formal vote from Congress.