`` These attempts by Congress to restrict the president 's authority as commander-in-chief are almost always symbolic , because presidents rarely enter conflicts without some expectation of public support , '' said Brown University political scientist Wendy Schiller . Legislation would require explicit congressional OK for military humanitarian missions . The bill also calls on the president to submit a plan within 60 days of taking office that outlines how he plans to use U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria against ISIS militants. Congress was unable to explicitly endorse or reject U.S. role in the NATO intervention . Political scientist : Congress 's efforts to restrict war powers `` are almost always symbolic ''
Legislation would require explicit congressional OK for military humanitarian missions . The bill also calls on the president to submit a plan within 60 days of taking office that outlines how he plans to use U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria against ISIS militants. Congress was unable to explicitly endorse or reject U.S. role in the NATO intervention . Political scientist : Congress 's efforts to restrict war powers `` are almost always symbolic ''