The War Powers Resolution

The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, is a law that aims to limit the president’s ability to commit U.S. armed forces to armed conflict without congressional approval. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits the deployment duration to 60 days unless Congress authorizes further action. If Congress does not approve, the president must withdraw forces. The law balances the president’s role as commander-in-chief with Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war, trying to prevent prolonged military actions without legislative oversight.