War? Congress and administration agree on conflict, argue over who declares it

During a live address to the nation on September 10, President Obama promised to destroy the Islamic State, functionally declaring war without the support or approval of Congress.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - This might be for the best, as a majority of lawmakers in Washington do not seem eager to go on the record during a midterm election year with a politically risky vote.

Stop the genocide of Christians in Iraq!

During the president's 15-minute address, he mentioned Congress three times, and while he did ask for support, he emphasized that he felt he had the authority to act on his own.

"I have the authority to address the threat from ISIL. But I believe we are strongest as a nation when the president and Congress work together," he said. "So I welcome congressional support for this effort in order to show the world that Americans are united in confronting this danger."

According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president can only deploy U.S. troops for more than 60 days if Congress officially authorizes war. This time, the Obama administration claims that the Authorized Use of Military Force that Congress passed in 2001, to declare war against those who orchestrated the attacks on the World Trade Center, covers a war against the Islamic State.

Many members of Congress are disturbed by that line of thinking.

"The administration has made an effort in recent days to brief members of the House and Senate on the range of options the president is contemplating," said Speaker John Boehner in a statement addressing the relationship between Congress and the White House. "Those briefings and consultations will continue as members review his proposals, and I hope we can continue a dialogue about how to most effectively confront and destroy this enemy."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D. California) showed approval of the Obama administration stance.

"I appreciate the ongoing consultations from the administration and the president's efforts to secure strong congressional support in the fight against ISIS," she said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was more direct: "As commander in chief, the president has the authority he needs now to act against ISIS. I believe the vast majority of members of Congress agree with that. For now, it's critical we support our commander in chief."

But not all democrats had words of praise for the President. Senator Mark Udall, a Democrat facing re-election in Colorado, had tough words for Obama.

"I will not give this president - or any other president - a blank check to begin another land war in Iraq," he said in a statement. "I believe any expanded U.S. military role beyond airstrikes in the fight against ISIL in Iraq must be approved by Congress."

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