The War Powers Resolution: After Twenty-Five Years (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Sept. 15, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RL30308 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Richard F. Grimmett, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In the 25 years since enactment of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, Presidents have submitted 75 reports under it, but only one, in 1975 (The Mayaguez seizure), cited Section 4(a)(1), which triggers the act's time limit for U.S. forces withdrawal-and, in this case, the military action was completed and U.S. armed forces have been used in hostile situations without formal reports to Congress under the War Powers Resolution. This report reviews selected cases from 1975 to August 1999 that illustrate the various issues and controversies that have surrounded this statute. A representative review of proposals to amend it are also set out, as is an appendix listing all presidential War Powers reports to Congress through August 1999.
