Use of Force Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (30 Jul 1998): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
What this bill does
This bill, titled the "Use of Force Act," would establish specific conditions and procedures for the President to use military force abroad without a formal declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. These conditions include repelling an attack on the U.S., responding to threats to national interests under emergency conditions, extricating U.S. citizens from imminent danger abroad, and addressing international terrorism. The bill would also repeal the War Powers Resolution.
The legislation would affect the President's authority regarding the use of military force and require increased consultation with Congress. It mandates that the President report to Congress within 48 hours of commencing any use of force abroad and seek advice from congressional leadership beforehand, unless an immediate emergency prevents it. The bill also creates a "Congressional Leadership Group on the Use of Force Abroad" to facilitate these consultations.
As S. 2387, this bill was introduced in the Senate during the 105th Congress on July 30, 1998, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed through the legislative process. For it to become law, it would need to be passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and then signed by the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Expedited Procedures Use of Force Act - Title I: General Provisions - Authorizes the President, in the absence of a declaration of war or statutory authorization for a specific use of force, to use force abroad to: (1) repel an armed attack upon the United States or its armed forces; (2) respond to a foreign military threat that jeopardizes U.S. national interests under emergency conditions that do not permit sufficient time for the Congress to consider such authorization or a declaration of war; (3) extricate U.S. citizens and nationals located abroad from a direct and imminent threat to their lives; (4) forestall an imminent act of international terrorism directed at U.S. citizens or nationals or to retaliate against the perpetrators of such an act; and (5) protect internationally recognized rights of innocent and free passage in the air and on the seas in circumstances where the threat of violation of such rights poses a danger to the safety of American citizens or U.S. national security. (Sec. 102) Directs the President, except where an emergency exists that does not permit sufficient time, to seek the advice of the Congress before any use of force abroad. Establishes the Congressional Leadership Group on the Use of Force Abroad to facilitate regular consultation between the President and the Congress on foreign and national security policy. (Sec. 103) Requires the President, within 48 hours of commencing a use of force abroad, to submit a Use of Force report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate. Provides for periodic reporting on the status, scope, and expected duration of the use of force. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the President to continue a use of force abroad for longer than 60 days after the date by which the Use of Force report is required only if: (1) the Congress has declared war or provided specific statutory authorization for the extended period; (2) the President has requested the Congress to enact a joint resolution constituting such a declaration or authorization but the resolution has not been subject to a vote in each House; or (3) the President has certified to the Speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate that an emergency exists that threatens the U.S. national interests and requires the period of limitation to be exceeded. (Sec. 105) Sets forth conditions under which joint or concurrent resolutions involving declarations of war and the use of force abroad shall receive expedited consideration in the Congress. (Sec. 106) Prohibits funding for any use of force abroad that is inconsistent with this Act. (Sec. 107) Authorizes Members of Congress to bring actions alleging violations of this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review and remedies. (Sec. 110) Repeals the War Powers Resolution. Title II: Expedited Procedures - Sets forth congressional procedures for the consideration of resolutions regarding the use of force abroad.
Timeline
30 Jul 1998
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Common questions
- What does S. 2387 do?
- This bill, titled the "Use of Force Act," would establish specific conditions and procedures for the President to use military force abroad without a formal declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. These conditions include repelling an attack on the U.S., responding to threats to national interests under emergency conditions, extricating U.S. citizens from imminent danger abroad, and addressing international terrorism. The bill would also repeal the War Powers Resolution. The legislation would affect the President's authority regarding the use of military force and require increased consultation with Congress. It mandates that the President report to Congress within 48 hours of commencing any use of force abroad and seek advice from congressional leadership beforehand, unless an immediate emergency prevents it. The bill also creates a "Congressional Leadership Group on the Use of Force Abroad" to facilitate these consultations. As S. 2387, this bill was introduced in the Senate during the 105th Congress on July 30, 1998, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed through the legislative process. For it to become law, it would need to be passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and then signed by the President.
- Has S. 2387 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2387. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2387?
- S. 2387 was sponsored by Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE] (D-DE), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2387?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (30 Jul 1998).
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