§1543 Reporting requirement

Summary

The President must tell Congress when U.S. Armed Forces are sent into certain combat-related situations. This includes when forces enter fighting or places where fighting looks imminent, enter a foreign country's land, air, or waters while armed for combat (except for supply, replacement, repair, or training trips), or when large numbers are sent that greatly increase combat forces already there. The report must explain why the forces were sent, what legal or constitutional authority allowed it, and an estimate of how big and how long the involvement will be. The President must also give Congress any other information it asks for about committing the Nation to war or using U.S. forces abroad. While those forces remain involved, the President must update Congress regularly on the situation and on its size and expected duration, and must report at least once every six months.