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How Nixon's Invasion of Cambodia Triggered a Check on Presidential Power

by KhmerLife on Apr 27, 2020

How Nixon's Invasion of Cambodia Triggered a Check on Presidential Power

When President Richard Nixon ordered U.S. ground troops to invade Cambodia on April 28, 1970, he waited two days to announce on national television the Cambodian incursion had begun. With resentment already building in the country over the conflict in Vietnam, the incursion felt like a final straw.

The news unleashed waves of criticism from many who felt the president had abused his powers by side-stepping Congress. By November 1973, the criticism had culminated in the passage of the War Powers Act. Passed over Nixon's veto, it limited the scope of the Commander-in-Chief's ability to declare war without congressional approval.

While the act was an unusual challenge, presidents since have exploited loopholes in the War Powers Resolution, raising questions about executive power, especially during states of emergency.

Follow the story at https://www.history.com/news/nixon-war-powers-act-vietnam-war-cambodia

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