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Monday, June 20, 2011

What Exactly Is the War Powers Act And Is Obama Really Violating It?

President Obama is facing a swell of bipartisan criticism for continuing military engagement in Libya without congressional approval. Even supporters of the Libya intervention have complained that the administration is flouting the law.

So, is it?  

Well, the president is certainly sidestepping the controversial law known as the War Powers Act, but in doing so he’s following a well-worn path. 

The Vietnam-era law requires the president to seek approval from Congress after 60 days of military engagement. The law was passed in 1973 after the United States fought the Korean and Vietnam wars without actual declarations of war. But it’s always been controversial. (President Nixon actually vetoed the law, but Congress overrode him.)

According to a 2004 Congressional Research Service report, “every President since the enactment of the War Powers Resolution has taken the position that it is an unconstitutional infringement on the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief.”

President Obama, in defending the legitimacy of the Libyan operation, hasn’t actually made that argument. On Wednesday, he submitted a report to Congress arguing that his administration isn’t in violation of the act at all, despite the fact that the 60-day deadline for congressional approval of Libya operations came and went in May.  

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

He should be branded a dictator.
That's why we have a congress , to harness this type of dictator rule.
However , we all know nothing will be done , it has become a joke to us revolutionaries. You guys will be the ones who suffer.

Anonymous said...

obama has done many things i believe to be unconstitutional.afsme was one of his major contributors along with governers such as o malley.not the afsme union is forcing govt employees to pay a far share out of their paychecks even if they arent a union member or refuse.they have a choice to donate said money to a non profit charitable or political organization but either way the money is being taken.if they choose to donate to an organization they have to show proof every month that they have done so or afsme gets money straight out of their paychecks.so either way theyre being forced to support political officials financially which whom they dont agree.

dan said...

2:06 - Did you read the article, or were you just waiting to rant on about Obama?

Gerald said...

To Dan, it is stupid people like you that put this Jerk in office in the first place! He is a a Commie !!!

dan said...

Thanks for contributing, Gerry.