Joint Resolution (August 10, 1964)

The Gulf of Tonkin resolution or the Southeast Asia resolution, enacted August 10, 1964, was a joint resolution that the United States Congress passed on August 7, 1964, in response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident. It is of historic significance because it gave Lyndon B. Johnson authorization, without a formal declaration of war by Congress, for the use of conventional military force in Southeast Asia.

It was opposed in the Senate only by Senators Wayne Morse and Ernest Gruening. The United States regards as vital to its national interest and to world peace the maintenance of international peace and security in Southeast Asia. The joint Resolution expires when the President shall determine that the peace and security of the area is reasonably assured by international conditions created by action of the United Nations or otherwise, except that it may be terminated earlier by concurrent resolution of the Congress.