The War Powers Act requires Congress to act within 60 days of the president committing U.S. forces to military action, after which the president must withdraw troops unless Congress grants an extension. Additionally, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of such military action.

Congressional Action Timeline: Congress is required to act within 60 days of the president's military commitment. This period allows Congress to either:

Approve the military action through a resolution.

Deny the action, which would require the president to withdraw troops.

The War Powers 60-day clock starts when Congress is notified under the WPR (the required 48‑hour report). For the recent Iran strikes, the White House submitted that notification on March 2–3, 2026, so the 60‑day clock would run from that notification date (about May 1 if counted from March 2, or May 2 if counted from March 3).