Dear Editor,
The Constitution provides Congress with the sole power to make declarations of war. The 1973 War Powers Resolution passed by the House and Senate requires congressional approval before the president deploys armed forces and commits troops to war.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s House resolution (not passed by the Senate and therefore has no legal standing) requires President Trump to cease all hostilities against Iran and can only use the Armed Forces by complying with the 1973 War Powers act. This House resolution adds Iran specifically to the requirements of the Constitution and 1973 War Powers Resolution. Does Rep. Slotkin plan to write similar resolutions for all countries since all countries are included in the previously mentioned documents?
World War II is the last time Congress approved any conflict. Presidents who involved us in Korea, Viet Nam, Bay of Pigs, Kosovo, Libya, fight against Al Qaeda, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the killing of Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden, and Soleimani all did so without congressional approval.
Why was the action by President Trump any different than the other actions and required the passing of a redundant resolution, when the Constitution and the 1973 Act have been by-passed by numerous presidents?
Tom Breneiser
Independence Township