Congress overrides Nixon veto 284-135 in House, 75-18 in Senate, War Powers Resolution becomes law

The House votes 284-135 and the Senate votes 75-18 to override President Nixon's veto of the War Powers Resolution, enacting it into law as 50 U.S.C. sections 1541-1548. The override marks the first time in American history that Congress has successfully limited the president's power to commit troops to armed conflict without a declaration of war. The law requires any president to notify Congress within 48 hours of ordering troops into "hostilities." If Congress doesn't authorize within 60 days, the president must withdraw forces. (Congressional Record, Nov. 7, 1973)