March 1, 1981executivewar powersmilitary deploymentCentral America policyexecutive powermilitaryexecutive
Reagan deploys military advisors to El Salvador without congressional notification defying War
The Reagan administration sends 56 military advisors to El Salvador to assist the government in its counter-insurgency campaign against FMLN guerrillas, declining to submit a War Powers Resolution report to Congress. The administration argues the deployment does not constitute introducing forces into hostilities. Democratic lawmakers formally protest, calling it a violation of the 48-hour notification requirement, but take no legal action.