War Powers Resolution is a United States law designed to balance military powers of the president and Congress. The law, passed in 1973, is popularly known as the War Powers Act. According to Section 4(a)(1) of the resolution, the president must inform Congress within 48 hours if U.S. forces are sent into a hostile area without a declaration of war. The forces may remain no longer than 60 days unless Congress approves the president's action or declares war. The president may extend this deadline an additional 30 days.