Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Congressional role in war making urged

From the Foundation for Economic Education:

"James Baker and Warren Christopher, who struggled with the War Powers Act when they were secretaries of State, Tuesday proposed an overhaul designed to increase consultations between the White House and Congress when U.S. troops go into battle. The proposal, drafted by a bipartisan commission they headed, would require presidents to consult with a newly created congressional committee before ordering 'significant armed conflict' expected to last a week or more." (USA Today, Wednesday)

Or they could simply honor the constitutional provision that says, "The Congress shall have Power ... To declare War."

1 comment:

Timothy W Higgins said...

There you go again, expecting a return to Constitutional responsibilities. I mean, just because the President takes an oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution", doesn't mean that they actually need to do that ... does it?

FDR jumped the gun on December 7th, though Congress was quick to pass a Declaration of War following his announcement. This was the last time that Congress actually declared war on anyone.

Congress declares War, then the President is Commander In Chief in fighting it. That's how the Founding Fathers designed it to work.

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