Should President Obama demand that Congress vote whether or not to go to war with Syria?
He still has the authority for a limited number of days to act as the Commander in Chief under the War Powers Act. But shouldn't we return to the original meaning of our Constitution and remove the power given to the President? War is not a game. Those that vote for war must be held accountable and responsible for their vote.
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http://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/29/world/how-war-powers-act-works.html
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WASHINGTON, March 28— The War Powers Act of 1973, passed in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, puts limits on the ability of the President to send American troops into combat areas without Congressional approval.
Under the act, the President can only send combat troops into battle or into areas where ''imminent'' hostilities are likely, for 60 days without either a declaration of war by Congress or a specific Congressional mandate.
The President can extend the time the troops are in the combat area for 30 extra days, without Congressional approval, for a total of 90 days.
The act, however, does not specify what Congress can do if the President refuses to comply with the act. Congress could presumably suspend all funds for such troops and override a Presidential veto.
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