War Powers Resolution

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a federal law that limits the president’s ability to commit U.S. armed forces to hostilities without congressional authorization. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing forces into hostilities and bars their continued deployment beyond 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, absent a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran and on vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific were conducted without congressional authorization.