H.R. 2108, the War Powers Act Enforcement Act, would force compliance with the War Powers Act (also known as the War Powers Resolution). That amendment, adopted by a vote of 316 to 111, prohibited the expenditure of funds in contravention of the War Powers Act. The amendment passed the House and was subsequently enacted into law. The provision has been included in every Defense Appropriations bill signed into law since then.
The War Powers Act gives the president significant authority to conduct hostilities in an emergency or exigent situations without seeking Congressional approval. In fact, the President can effectively wage war for 60 or even 90 days without specific authorization from Congress under the construction of the War Powers Act. If the President seeks to go beyond that period of time, or the other limits of the War Powers Act, he or she would only be able to do so under statutory authorization prescribed by the War Powers Act or a declaration of war.
