The US authorized use of force on Al-Qaeda

Is that even needed? The War Powers Act

requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, without congressional authorization for use of military force (AUMF) or a declaration of war by the United States

Congress can still be notified, and 60 days haven't elapsed.

Edit: Nevermind. I now see unless war is declared, the president requires specific statutory authorization or a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.