War Powers Resolution
The War Powers Resolution requires the President to report to Congress within 48 hours when U.S. forces are introduced into hostilities or certain combat-equipped deployments abroad. Use of the forces is generally subject to termination after 60 days unless Congress authorizes it, subject to statutory exceptions; the President may extend the period by 30 days with a written certification of unavoidable military necessity.
The War Powers Resolution requires the President to report to Congress within 48 hours when U.S. forces are introduced into hostilities or certain combat-equipped deployments abroad. Use of the forces is generally subject to termination after 60 days unless Congress authorizes it, subject to statutory exceptions; the President may extend the period by 30 days with a written certification of unavoidable military necessity.
Example: On November 7, 1973, Congress overrode President Richard Nixon’s veto and enacted the War Powers Resolution.
Common misconception: The 60-day window is not itself authorization to conduct hostilities; it gives Congress time to decide whether to authorize an otherwise unauthorized use of force.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, War Powers Resolution: Expedited Procedures in the House and Senate; U.S. Department of State, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXV, document 26; Congressional Research Service, War Powers Issues: U.S. Use of Military Force Against Iran