War Powers Act

Legislation passed in 1973 restricting the US president's powers to deploy US forces abroad for combat without prior Congressional approval. The president is required to report to both Houses of Congress within 48 hours of having taken such action. Congress may then restrict the continuation of troop deployment despite any presidential veto.

The act was passed over President Richard Nixon's veto, and aimed at restricting the president's introduction of US forces into potentially hostile situations without Congressional declaration of war. The act has been considered unconstitutional by each president since its passage, and its provisions generally have been ignored by both Congress and presidents.