Trump and Vance overstated claim that War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional

President Trump and Vice President Vance this week said all presidents have considered the War Powers Resolution unconstitutional, commenting after the Senate voted to take up a joint resolution that would bar further U.S. military action in and against Venezuela. The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1974 and amended in 1983, is a set of statutes meant to restore Congress’s role in decisions to use force.

Its provisions include a requirement that presidents consult Congress "in every possible instance" before deploying troops into hostile situations, a narrow statutory description of when presidents may act without authorization, requirements to notify Congress, a 60-day withdrawal clock if lawmakers do not authorize operations, and mechanisms for Congress to vote to terminate unauthorized hostilities.

The Senate voted 52 to 47 to bring up the joint resolution sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine that would bar further use of the U.S. military for "hostilities within or against Venezuela," with five Republicans joining Democrats. The Republican-controlled House had rejected similar measures in December before Mr.

Trump bombed Venezuelan territory and launched a military incursion that seized Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro; about 80 people were killed, and Mr. Trump said U.S. involvement in Venezuela may last for years. Legal views within the executive branch have varied by provision.

Key Topics

Politics, War Powers Resolution, President Trump, Vice President Vance, Tim Kaine, Venezuela