Title 50 — War and National DefenseRelease 119-73not60
§1542 Consultation; Initial and Regular Consultations
Title 50 › Chapter 33— WAR POWERS RESOLUTION › § 1542
Summary
The President must, whenever possible, talk with Congress before sending U.S. armed forces into combat or into situations where combat looks likely. After forces are sent, the President must keep consulting with Congress on a regular basis until the forces are no longer fighting or have been withdrawn.
Full Legal Text
Title 50, §1542
War and National Defense — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and after every such introduction shall consult regularly with the Congress until United States Armed Forces are no longer engaged in hostilities or have been removed from such situations.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
50 U.S.C. § 1542
Title 50 — War and National Defense
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60