Wars+Powers+Act+(1973)

=Wars Powers Act (1973)=

Overview
The War Powers Resolution, generally known as the War Powers Act, was passed by Congress over President Nixon's veto to increase congressional control over the executive branch in foreign policy matters. The Act states that the president could send U.S armed forces into action abroad only by the authorization of Congress or if the United States is already under attack. The act also requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30 day withdrawal period, without an authorization of the use of military force or a deceleration of war.

Critical Issue
Under the United States Constitution, war powers are divided amongst Congress and the Commander and Chief. Congress has the power to declare war, raise and support the armed forces, and control the war funding. While the President has the power to repel attacks against the United States and has the right to sign or veto congressional acts, such as declarations of war. Overtime Congressional powers in military affairs began to fade and give way to growing Presidential powers. The issue for the need of a War Powers Act to strengthen congressional power came during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The United States found itself involved for many years in situations of intense conflict without a declaration of war. Many members of Congress became concerned with the erosion of congressional authority to decide when the United States should become involved in a war or the use of armed forces that might lead to war. The House of Representatives and Senate passed the War Powers Resolution; although, the Resolution was vetoed by President Nixon, Congress overrode the veto and the War Powers Resolution was place into effect on November 7, 1973.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
Ever since the United States was formed, there has been a tension over who controls the use of armed forces. While the Constitution formally lodges the power to declare war in the hands of Congress, it just as firmly declares the president to be the commander in chief of the nation's armed forces. The debate became particularly heated during the Vietnam War, another undeclared conflict. The belief that Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon had exceeded their authority to commit troops without Congressional action led to the adoption of the War Powers Act in 1973.