President Donald Trump sent Congress a formal notification that the U.S.-Iran war has resumed as Washington and Tehran trade fresh strikes over the Strait of Hormuz.
The letter, dated July 10 and confirmed to TIME by a White House official on Tuesday, is seemingly viewed by the Trump Administration as the start of a new 60-day window whereby the U.S. can engage in military action against Iran without seeking congressional approval.
However, Democratic lawmakers have denounced the resumption of the Iran war and the return to active hostilities, despite the interim cease-fire agreement signed June 17.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed War Powers Act resolutions last month aimed to restrict Trump from continuing the war.
On Monday, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California called for Congress to “reassert its war powers authority.”
Schiff filed a new War Powers Resolution after the collapse of the cease-fire. The resolution was co-sponsored by Democratic Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
“We were promised the war would be over for months. And now in a matter of days, we've gone from a bad U.S.-Iran deal to more strikes, another blockade, and added turmoil that will only drive prices higher,” Schiff said, referencing Trump’s decision to reinstate the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Any assertion by the Trump Administration that he gets 60 more days to act without Congress has no foundation in law,” he continued, imploring for a “new vote to end this war.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was equally critical of the Trump Administration returning to active hostilities against Iran.
“Donald Trump's so-called ‘understanding’ with Iran fell apart faster than the ink could dry,” Schumer argued. “The House and Senate both voted to remove our forces from harm’s way and end this war now. Trump
