War Powers Revamp Recommended

clipped from donklephant.com A bipartisan study group tasked with considering changes to the way congress approves wars, is recommending increased congressional responsibility. The group, co-chaired by former secretaries of state James Baker III and Warren Christopher, are proposing “legislation that would require the president to consult lawmakers before initiating combat lasting longer than a week, except in cases of emergencies.” A New York Times editorial by the co-chairmen lays out the details. Simply, the 1973 War Powers Resolution is ineffective and possibly unconstitutional and we need better legislation. We also need a better balance of power, not only to check the Executive Branch but to make sure the Legislative Branch takes the appropriate responsibility for our wars both large and small. It’ll be interesting to hear what the presidential candidates think of this proposal.

One things for sure, recent history shows it's way too easy to go to war. Congress has totally shirked their responsibility, voting to "give authority" to a president to go to war, rather than sitting down and debating the merits of the action.

One guy should never have that ability or responsibility. If Congress won't take its constitutional duty seriously, then a law that makes it a requirement might be just what we need.