Research ReportCRS ReportVersion 17
RL31133
Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications
Published Apr 18, 2014Updated Jun 21, 2025
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The Congressional Research Service is a nonpartisan policy and legal analysis arm of the Library of Congress. CRS reports are written for members of Congress and their staff, not the public — but they’re made available openly through Congress.gov.