It also allowed Congress to order the president to disengage troops involved in an undeclared war. The War Powers Act prevented presidents from committing troops to combat for more than 60 days without congressional approval. It passed the War Powers Act in 1973 to limit the president's ability to wage war without a formal declaration by Congress. As the conflict in Vietnam dragged on, however, Congress decided that the continued use of American troops in Vietnam was a result of an abuse of presidential power. Instead Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, which authorized the president to use troops in Vietnam. President Lyndon Johnson deployed forces to Vietnam without an official declaration of war. President Theodore Roosevelt sent the American troops on the USS Nashville to support Panamanian rebels in their revolution for independence from Colombia. In the early 1900s, several presidents sent military forces into countries in Latin America and Asia to support leaders who were friendly to the United States. Even so, presidents have sent American forces into action many times without a formal declaration of war. Congress retains the power to declare war, as well as the power to provide the funds to pay for the military. Congress provides an important limitation on the president's role as commander in chief.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |