§1547 Interpretation of joint resolution

Summary

U.S. forces cannot be sent into hostilities or into situations that clearly point to hostilities unless a law or a treaty clearly and specifically allows it. A general law, including any appropriation (spending) bill—even one passed before November 7, 1973—does not count unless it plainly authorizes sending forces and says it is meant to be that specific statutory authorization. A treaty also does not count unless Congress passes a law to implement it that says the same. One exception: U.S. troops may take part in headquarters work with foreign forces in high-level commands that were set up before November 7, 1973 under the United Nations Charter or a treaty ratified before that date, without new authorization. "Introduction of United States Armed Forces" means assigning troops to command, coordinate, move with, or accompany foreign forces when those forces are engaged, or are clearly about to be engaged, in fighting. Nothing here changes the constitutional powers of Congress or the President, and it does not give the President any authority to send forces that he would not have without this law.