Curtis Considers Congressional Intervention as Iran Conflict Hits Two-Month Milestone

SALT LAKE ​CITY — Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, is keeping a close eye on the Trump administration’s moves regarding Iran. He‍ is ⁤considering whether to push for a vote on⁣ authorizing U.S. military action or to allow the administration more time to conclude its operations.

In a discussion with the ⁤Deseret News on ⁣Thursday, Curtis revealed that ‌he is in talks with fellow senators⁤ and the White⁤ House about the ⁢best way forward. He noted that several alternatives are being considered as ⁤the U.S. reaches⁤ the 60-day mark since initiating military strikes in the region.

One of⁣ these options, he mentioned, is pushing for a vote on a ⁣formal Authorization for ‌the Use of‌ Military Force against Iran.

“I’m closely monitoring the administration’s next steps,” ⁤Curtis stated. “There’s a possibility that they could describe our current situation as‌ a withdrawal. We don’t have boots on the ground, we’re in a ⁤ceasefire. That’s something⁣ I would seriously consider if they could genuinely demonstrate an intention to ‌wind things down.”

This⁢ would grant the administration an additional month to terminate its military operations. Beyond that, Curtis said, he would continue to explore other possibilities.

“The idea of us voicing our ‌stance with the AUMF is on the table,” Curtis added. “It’s safe to say that there have been numerous serious discussions between me ‍and some of my colleagues‌ about what that would entail.”

Curtis is among the few Republicans who‌ have been vocal about Congress’ role⁣ in authorizing military action in the region. In an op-ed for the Deseret News earlier this month, he stated that he would⁢ not back “ongoing military​ action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval.”

This position, Curtis pointed out on Thursday, is a personal one. The Utah senator ‌was 13 years old ​when the⁣ draft for the Vietnam War ended in 1973. He remembered watching several neighborhood kids being drafted.

The 19-year conflict was never⁤ formally declared⁣ a war by Congress. Curtis believes this is a mistake that Congress should not repeat, and it would necessitate the administration and Congress to collaborate by exercising their individual ​constitutional authorities.

“We should be collaborating to act in ​the country’s best interest, and so any ​discussions I’m having with White House personnel are along the lines‍ of, ‘Let’s both fulfill our constitutional roles correctly. Let’s ensure that we’re⁤ respectful​ of each other’s constitutional ⁤role.'”

Under the War Powers Act, the president is obligated to inform Congress within 48 hours of initiating a military attack, and U.S. forces can only remain in the area for 60 days. The president can extend that window for‌ another 30 days, ‌but any longer would necessitate congressional approval.

Although the war was initiated‍ at the end of February,⁢ President Donald Trump formally informed Congress of the ‍operation on March 2 — meaning that the 60-day period expires ⁢on Friday.

Some Republicans, such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have stated they are working behind the scenes to draft an Authorization for the Use of Military⁤ Force — but Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Thursday said⁣ he‌ doesn’t anticipate an immediate vote on the issue.

“I think they’re, obviously, receiving updates ‌from our military⁣ leadership on a somewhat regular basis, I think that will be ​helpful in terms of ⁢shaping the views of our members,” Thune said. ‍”But as of right now, I’m not hearing that.”

Curtis said he is prepared to give the administration time during the next 30 days “of technical withdrawal” but is⁣ closely monitoring what happens‌ in Iran to determine next steps.

“I think it depends on the administration. If they bring this together and show⁢ us how we’re in the winding-down period … that’s a very different answer,” Curtis said. “If we’re winding up, if we’re still talking about sending troops in on the ground — then‌ that’s ​problematic for me.”

Meanwhile, Democrats in both the House and Senate are moving forward with plans to continually introduce war powers resolutions that would limit⁤ the‌ military action⁤ Trump can approve in‌ Iran. When asked if he would support those motions if an Authorization for the Use of Military Force stalls, Curtis⁤ said it would depend⁢ on what language is included.

“I have to see it, because what I’ve seen so far is not a real serious attempt,” he said.

While Republicans have largely backed Trump’s military directives, that support could be waning as the conflict drags on. Recent polling shows a⁣ majority of Americans ‌don’t believe the military action has been worth ​it and that the operation has a mostly negative impact on their personal financial situation.

That sentiment is split in Utah, ⁢where​ a plurality of voters (46%) say they support⁤ Trump’s military action ⁤compared to just 39% who​ say they disapprove, according ⁣to a​ Deseret⁤ News/Hinckley Institute of Politics ​poll last month.⁤ However, a majority of Utahns say the president should have gotten congressional approval before launching the attack.

Other members⁣ of ⁤Utah’s delegation have signaled ⁣they would be open to a vote for Congress to authorize military action in Iran.

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, told the Deseret News last week that “there should be an opportunity” for lawmakers to ⁤weigh in, although he noted a⁣ number of other legislative priorities that may delay a vote.

“I think it only​ strengthens potential for a good outcome … to be able to ⁤look holistically ⁢and determine what areas we‍ need to be focused on,”⁢ Moore said. “That’s why⁢ there’s a timeline, so we can have this moment to sort ⁤of reevaluate and weigh in from the American⁤ public. Because that’s what Congress is supposed ​to do, is⁤ be a voice of the ⁣people. I haven’t seen any particular proposals yet.”