S. 2070 significantly restricts when a President can deploy armed forces to handle domestic unrest, requiring such action only as a last resort after state, local, and federal civilian law enforcement have failed or been overwhelmed. The President must issue a formal proclamation to Congress with detailed justification, including certification from the Attorney General that alternatives have been exhausted, and must order people to disperse before any deployment occurs. Any military deployment automatically expires after 7 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution approving an additional 14-day extension, which can be renewed—a requirement that prevents indefinite military involvement in domestic affairs. The bill establishes strict congressional oversight procedures, requiring the Senate and House to vote on a joint resolution within defined timeframes (18 days in Senate, 3 days in House committees) with expedited debate and no amendments allowed. Presidential authority terminates automatically if Congress doesn't approve, the President revokes it, or specified dates are reached, with all unobligated funds returned and government contracts cancelled.
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