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Official Declarations of War by Congress

War of 1812: Senate Amendments
On June 17, 1812, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Great Britain. The Senate approved the resolution by a vote of 19-13. Document Courtesy of the National Archives

The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Congress has declared war on 11 occasions, including its first declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812. Congress approved its last formal declaration of war during World War II. Since that time it has agreed to resolutions authorizing the use of military force and continues to shape U.S. military policy through appropriations and oversight.

 
  

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Questions about Senate History?

E-mail a Senate historian. historian@sec.senate.gov