Final answer:
The president can commit U.S. troops to military action without Congress's approval for up to 60 days, according to the War Powers Act of 1973.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president has the ability to commit U.S. troops to military action without Congress's approval for a maximum of 60 days. This act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops. Following this notification, the clock starts on a 60-day period, after which the president must receive Congressional authorization to keep military forces deployed, or else must withdraw them.
The act was intended as a measure to check presidential power following the Vietnam War, but in practice, many presidents have used the 60-day period to engage in military actions without prior Congressional approval, often presenting Congress with a fait accompli. The ability to deploy troops for up to two months gives the executive branch significant leeway to conduct foreign military operations on a short-term basis.