Report Urges Overhaul of the War Powers Law

In 1973, toward the end of the Vietnam War, US Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, setting out guidelines for presidents in committing American troops to international conflicts. A yearlong study by a bipartisan group was led by Warren Christopher and James A. Baker III, both former secretaries of state. They conclude that the 1973 law is “ineffective at best and unconstitutional at worst” and suggest that the president consult congressional leaders before and during any prolonged engagements. The US president can now go to war for up to 90 days without consulting Congress. The proposal does not address specific concerns associated with the ongoing war in Iraq. Baker and Christopher would maintain a president’s autonomy to wage war, but they also set out procedures for the US leader to hear diverse points of view in order to make an educated and informed decision. – YaleGlobal