Jun 30, 1976 · legislative
Ford signs Arms Export Control Act, codifying 30-day congressional review for major foreign arms sales
President Gerald Ford signs the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) on June 30, 1976, consolidating and strengthening U.S. arms export law. Section 36(b) of the AECA requires a 30-day congressional review period before any major arms sale above specified thresholds can close, during which Congress can pass a joint resolution of disapproval. The law also includes Section 36(c), which allows the president to bypass the 30-day period by certifying to Congress that an emergency exists requiring immediate action. The AECA becomes the primary legal framework governing U.S. arms exports for the next 50 years, setting the stage for repeated disputes over the reach and limits of the emergency certification power.
Dec 30, 1974 · legislative
Ford signs Foreign Assistance Act of 1974 with Nelson-Bingham Amendment requiring congressional notification of major arms sales
President Gerald Ford signs the Foreign Assistance Act of 1974 on December 30, 1974, which includes the Nelson-Bingham Amendment to the Foreign Military Sales Act. The amendment requires the executive branch to notify Congress of any proposed arms sale exceeding $25 million at least 30 days before the sale closes, giving Congress a window to block the transaction by concurrent resolution. Senators Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) and J. William Fulbright championed the provision after Congress discovered the Nixon administration had made secret arms commitments during the Vietnam War without legislative approval. The amendment creates the first statutory congressional check on executive arms sales authority — the foundation that the Arms Export Control Act later expands.
Apr 30, 1970 · military
Nixon announces Cambodian incursion
President Richard Nixon announces U.S. ground troops, with South Vietnamese forces, have invaded Cambodia to attack communist bases. The announcement triggers massive domestic opposition. On May 4, National Guard troops fire on students at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four. On May 6, police fire on students at Jackson State College in Mississippi, killing two. The incursion sets off congressional initiatives to rein in presidential war powers.
Mar 18, 1969 · military
Nixon approves secret bombing of Cambodia
President Richard Nixon authorizes Operation Menu, a secret bombing campaign targeting communist sanctuaries along the Cambodia-Vietnam border. Over 14 months, approximately 3,600 secret B-52 bombing runs drop 540,000 tons of ordnance on Cambodia. The operation is not revealed to Congress until 1973. An estimated 50,000 to 150,000 Cambodian civilians are killed.