This paper noted in its account of how the Senate blocked war authorization while the war expanded that the constitutional machinery was failing in real time. Three weeks later, it has not been repaired. The Senate voted 47-53 on March 4 to reject Senator Tim Kaine's war powers resolution, with Democrat John Fetterman breaking ranks to oppose it. [1] The House rejected its own version 219-212 the following day. [2]

Neither chamber has brought a formal Authorization for Use of Military Force to a vote. Axios reported that Senate Democrats are "plotting" how to force one to the floor. [3] Senator Adam Schiff told Time that Democrats plan to bring the chamber to a halt with repeated procedural votes on the war until the administration agrees to public hearings. [4] The pressure is real but the arithmetic has not changed — Republicans hold the majority and the White House insists existing authorities are sufficient. Day 22 of unauthorized military operations. The War Powers Act's 60-day clock runs until April 29. The AUMF remains a debate without a vote.

-- SAMUEL CRANE, Washington