Cooper-Church Amendment

United States [1971]

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July 21, 2026

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The Cooper-Church Amendment was a legislative proposal in the United States in 1971 aimed at limiting President Richard Nixon's authority to conduct military operations in Cambodia without congressional consent. While the amendment passed the Senate, it was rejected by the House. A revised version was passed in 1971, but key provisions restricting air combat were removed, allowing U.S. bombing campaigns in Cambodia to continue. This amendment was part of a broader anti-Vietnam War movement and efforts to reform U.S. intelligence activities. It is distinct from the Boland Amendment, which focused on U.S. involvement in Nicaragua during the Reagan administration.12

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Frank Church
In 1970 he coauthored the Cooper-Church Amendment, which would have restricted President Richard Nixon’s authority to wage war in Cambodia without the consent of Congress. The amendment passed in the Senate, but the House rejected it. The amendment passed in a revised form in 1971; however, provisions prohibiting air combat…
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In 1970 he coauthored the Cooper-Church Amendment, which would have restricted President Richard Nixon’s authority to wage war in Cambodia without the consent of Congress. The amendment passed in the Senate, but the House rejected it. The amendment passed in a revised form in 1971; however, provisions prohibiting air combat…
Read More