§1547 Interpretation of Joint Resolution

Summary

No law or treaty can be used to say the United States may send its military into hostilities or into situations where fighting is clearly likely unless the law or treaty expressly says so and says it is meant to be specific authorization under this part. That rule covers any law, including appropriation acts; treaties also require Congress to pass implementing legislation that expressly authorizes the use. No additional approval is needed for U.S. personnel to serve in the headquarters of high‑level military commands set up before November 7, 1973 under the United Nations Charter or a treaty ratified before that date. For this part, "introduction of United States Armed Forces" means assigning members to command, coordinate, move with, or accompany foreign forces when those forces are engaged or about to be engaged in hostilities. This does not change constitutional powers or give the President new authority to send forces into hostilities.