Costa Rican president says US military operations would need congressional approval

President Laura Fernandez emphasized that any United States military activity on national soil would require the explicit approval of Congress, underscoring the constitutional checks that govern foreign‑force deployments. In a statement released Thursday, Fernandez reiterated that the executive branch cannot unilaterally authorize such operations without legislative endorsement, aligning her position with the War Powers Resolution that mandates congressional consent for sustained military engagements.

Legal experts note that the requirement for congressional approval serves as a safeguard against unauthorized use of force and ensures that elected representatives retain oversight of national security decisions. The president’s clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about potential joint training exercises and humanitarian missions involving U.S. forces, signaling that any future collaboration will be subject to formal legislative review before implementation.