The War Powers Resolution clock has reached day 38. Twenty-one days remain until the April 29 deadline by which the president must end hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes further action. [1] Congress has done nothing.

The House rejected a war powers resolution on March 5, narrowly backing Trump's authority to conduct the air war. [2] The Senate rejected a similar measure on March 4. [3] Since then, no new resolution has been brought to a vote. No hearings have been scheduled. No testimony has been compelled.

Nine members of the House introduced a new war powers resolution in early March, but it has not advanced. [4] The resolution would direct the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. [5] It sits where all such measures sit: in committee.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to withdraw forces within 60 days of initiating hostilities unless Congress declares war or authorizes continued action. The clock started ticking when the first bombs fell. It stops ticking on April 29.

Trump has shown no sign of complying with the deadline. He has issued new ultimatums to Iran, ordered new waves of strikes and threatened infrastructure targets if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. [6] He has not asked Congress for authorization. He has not indicated that he intends to.

The constitutional question is whether the War Powers Resolution is enforceable. No president has ever been forced to comply with it. The courts have consistently declined to rule on its constitutionality, calling it a political question. The enforcement mechanism is Congress — and Congress has chosen not to enforce.

Twenty-one days. The clock is ticking. And the room is empty.

-- SAMUEL CRANE, Washington