Congress looks for Trump’s exit plan as the Iran war drags on

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., descends an stairwell after a vote at the Capitol, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner) 2026-03-21T13:14:14Z WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump took the United States to war without a vote of support from Congress, but lawmakers are increasingly questioning when, how and at what cost the war with Iran will come to an end. Three weeks into the conflict , the toll is becoming apparent. At least 13 U.S. military personnel have died, and more than 230 have been wounded . A $200 billion request from the Pentagon for war funds is pending at the White House. Allies are under attacked, oil prices are spiking and thousands of U.S. troops are deploying to the Middle East with no endgame in sight. “The real question is: What ultimately are we trying to accomplish?” Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C., told The Associated Press. “I generally support anything that takes out the mullahs,” he said. “But at the end of the day, there has to be a kind of strategic articulation of the strategy, what our objectives are.” Trump said late Friday that he was considering “winding down” the military operations even as he outlined new objectives and goals. Congress stands still The Republican president’s decision to launch the U.S.-Israel-led war with Iran is testing the resolve of the Congress, which is controlled by his party. Republicans have largely stood by the commander in chief, but will soon be faced with more consequential wartime choices. 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. But the administration will need to show a more comprehensive strategy ahead or risk blowback from Congress, lawmakers said, especially as they are simultaneously being asked to approve billions in new spending. Trump’s quip the war will end “when I feel it in my bones”

原文链接: AP News