WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)–The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, HR 4870, contains Congressman Brad Sherman’s War Powers Resolution provisions, which prevents the President from engaging American military forces for more than 60 days without Congressional approval.
“The War Powers Act requires Congressional approval of deployments over sixty or ninety days,” said Congressman Sherman. “Presidents have usually complied with the Act, while disputing its constitutionality. But there is no doubt Congress can condition the availability of funds, thus requiring a President to comply with the Act.”
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Sherman led the effort in 2011 to use Congress’s power over appropriations to enforce the Act with respect to America’s involvement in Libya.
On July 7, 2011, the House passed Sherman’s Amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act by a vote of 316 – 111. This year’s Defense Appropriations Act includes Sherman’s language in its base text.
“The War Powers Act is the law of the land, and we should not facilitate or tolerate its violation, even for a purportedly worthy cause. This provision is more relevant than ever as the President now considers reengaging Iraq with military force.”
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Preceding provided by Congressman Brad Sherman