President Ronald Reagan sends 1,200 Marines to Lebanon in September 1982. In June 1983, he signs the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Act, requiring that expansion in the number or role of U.S. forces in Lebanon be authorized by Congress. As the crisis deepens and Marines are killed, Reagan is urged to invoke the War Powers Act. Finally, in October 1983, he signs the Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution, stating that troops may be deployed only an additional 18 months. Congress must approve any extension of that period. Reagan attaches a signing statement to each piece of legislation, asserting his power as commander in chief.