§1544 Congressional action

Summary

When the President files a report under section 1543(a)(1), he must send a copy the same calendar day to the Speaker of the House and the Senate President pro tempore. Each report is then sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If Congress has adjourned without a return date or is away more than three calendar days, those two leaders may ask the President to call Congress back — or must do so if at least 30 percent of their members ask. Within 60 calendar days after the report is sent or due, the President must stop using U.S. Armed Forces involved unless Congress declares war, passes a specific law authorizing the use, extends the 60-day period, or cannot meet because of an armed attack. The President may add up to 30 more days if he certifies that unavoidable military necessity for the forces’ safety requires it. If U.S. forces are fighting abroad without a declaration or specific authorization, both Houses of Congress can order their removal by concurrent resolution.