Upstate NY Congressman, Chris Gibson, proposes changes to War Powers Act

[thedude]

http://gibson.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=237293

Congressman Chris Gibson Introduces War Powers Reform Act Legislation would ensure Congress, American People consulted before hostile military action



Washington, Apr 15 - Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-20) announced today that he introduced legislation that fundamentally amends the War Powers Resolution. His bill, the War Powers Reform Act, would strike a new balance between the legislative and executive branch and ensure that both branches share responsibility regarding when the U.S. employs military force. The War Powers Resolution, originally enacted over the President’s veto in 1973, requires the President to seek Congressional authority after engaging the American military in hostile actions. However, since its passage, Presidents from both political parties have not recognized its constitutionality and on occasions not fully complied with its provisions as originally intended.

“The Founders intended for the American people to be consulted before the President makes a decision to use military force, a power entrusted to elected representatives to Congress. While the President has constitutional authority to take action to defend our cherished way of life, the Congress was empowered to decide when we would go to war. However, this process has become out of balance, with the recent military operation in Libya the latest example of a President acting beyond his authority – something Presidents from both political parties have been guilty of,” said Congressman Gibson. “It’s time for Congress to reassert its role and constitutional responsibility on matters regarding the use of force, which this Act does by clearly outlining when the President can commit U.S. service members into hostile circumstances and when Congress must first give authorization. To ensure compliance, no funds can be obligated or expended without congressional authorization if the threshold for Presidential authority is not met, which will restore the balance the Founders intended regarding decisions on the use of force.”

The War Powers Reform Act amends the War Powers Resolution to clarify the President’s authority to use military force. This authority is limited to when there has been a declaration of war, when there is congressional authorization by statute or commitment under a treaty, or when the US is attacked or in imminent danger of being attacked. If the President desires to take military action when none of these circumstances are met, the President must first come to Congress for authorization.

I've let everybody I know this is a seriously disingenuous way of giving the president more power to send our troops to war. Let your friends know and tell your congressmen to stay away from it. Feel free to contact Mr. Gibson yourself.

https://chrisgibson.house.gov/Contact/OfficeInformation.htm

 

[sailingaway]

The problem is what it says right inside the bill -- the President ignored it. However, I would support it except that if they vote it DOWN that would be a problem.

 

[thedude]

The problem is what it says right inside the bill -- the President ignored it. However, I would support it except that if they vote it DOWN that would be a problem.

at first this looked like a positive sign until I read that "or commitment under treaty" was added to the language that allows the president to go to war without congressional authorization. this legally allows the president to ignore congress when the UN, or other foreign treaty organizations, call for US involvement in other nations.

 

[thedude]

the response I received from a staffer:

the intent of this legislation is that unless specific criteria is met (declaration of war, attack on the United States or its military, or an imminent attack, or Congressional authorization has already been given or the action falls under an existing treaty - which would have been approved by Congress), the President must come to Congress first for authorization. The legislation tightens the criteria outlined in the War Powers Resolution now to ensure the President has very specific guidance on when he could act with consulting Congress, which would prohibit an action like a a no-fly zone and the current situation in Libya. To ensure compliance, if the threshold for Presidential action is not met or Congress does not first authorize the action, no funds could be obligated or expended. Hope this helps explain it a little more. - Stephanie

let the congressmann know where liberty stands on the issue:

http://www.facebook.com/RepChrisGibson/posts/210715798957199