War Powers Resolution, 1973
History, Provisions, and Limitations
The War Powers Resolution (WPR) of 1973 is a US federal law designed to check the President's power to commit US forces to armed conflict without congressional consent. It was enacted during the Vietnam War era — over President Nixon's veto — in response to the executive branch's pattern of conducting secret wars without legislative oversight. The WPR requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to hostilities, and prohibits forces from remaining engaged for more than 60 days without a formal declaration of war or congressional authorisation. Congress can also pass a concurrent resolution to withdraw troops at any time.
- Enacted: November 7, 1973 (Public Law 93-148), over Nixon's veto.
- Key provisions: 48-hour notification; 60-day clock on unauthorised military action; congressional withdrawal option.
- Controversy: Every president since Nixon has disputed the constitutionality of the 60-day limit; no president has formally acknowledged it as binding.
- Historical invocations: Reagan (El Salvador, 1981), Clinton (Kosovo, 1999 — 79 days before 60-day limit expired), Obama (Libya, 2011 — also disputed).
- As of early 2026, presidents had submitted 132 WPR "48-hour reports" over the law's history.
● Tracked since March 04, 2026 · last seen July 22, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes