President Donald Trump’s strikes on nuclear strongholds in Iran have prompted debate about presidential war powers and whether Congress should have been given more information and oversight ahead of the surprise attack.

The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973, gives the president the ability to carry out certain military actions before requesting congressional approval. However, it is also supposed to keep the commander in chief’s power in check. For instance, the president must notify Congress of any military actions within 48 hours, and armed forces are not allowed to remain in a region of conflict for more than 60 days without congressional approval.