Us Code § 1543a - Report on hostilities involving United States Armed Forces

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1543a — Report on hostilities involving United States Armed Forces, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1543a. Report on hostilities involving United States Armed Forces

(a) In general

Not later than 48 hours after any incident in which the United States Armed Forces are involved in an attack or hostilities, whether in an offensive or defensive capacity, the President shall transmit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the incident, unless the President—

(1) otherwise reports the incident within 48 hours pursuant to section 1543 of this title; or

(2) has determined prior to the incident, and so reported pursuant to section 1549 of this title, that the United States Armed Forces involved in the incident would be operating under specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 1544(b) of this title.

(b) Matters to be included

Each report required by subsection (a) shall include—

(1) the authority or authorities under which the United States Armed Forces were operating when the incident occurred;

(2) the date, location, and duration of the incident and the other parties involved;

(3) a description of the United States Armed Forces involved in the incident and the mission of such Armed Forces;

(4) the numbers of any combatant casualties and civilian casualties that occurred as a result of the incident; and

(5) any other information the President determines appropriate.

(Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XII, §1230, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 457.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and not as part of the War Powers Resolution which comprises this chapter.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

"Congressional Defense Committees" Defined

Congressional defense committees means the Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives, see section 3 of Pub. L. 118–31, 137 Stat. 164. See note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

About This Section

50 U.S.C. § 1543a is part of Title 50 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 50 U.S.C. § 1543a. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1543a

What does United States Code § 1543a cover?

Section 1543a ("Report on hostilities involving United States Armed Forces") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1543a?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1543a" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1543a apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.