While I cheered for President Trump’s missile strike on Syria, I do agree that the president needs congressional authorization for use of military force as laid out in this article.
President as the command in chief is responsible for the prosecution of war, and the Congress has the responsibility to declare war as defined by the U.S. Constitution. The check and balances clearly framed by the Founding Fathers.
While it can be argued that Congress seems can’t agree on anything and the Command in chief has to be able to respond quickly (as in the case of missile strike on Syria), the laws afford the president the tactical flexibility and the Congress the consent of the people.
In the case of Syria, President Trump needs to present his plan or course of action going forward from this point to inform the Congress and the American people. Together we form a more perfect Union.
Running with Buddha 
sorry, not sure I’m following, are you saying the president should wait for a debate of congress before taking military action? in 8 years they cannot even agree on a path to move forward on health care or general taxation, let alone covert targeted military actions…according to that logic, Obama should have held a congressional debate before authorizing the mission to capture and kill bin laden – is that what you are saying? from a military and strategical position, that would make absolutely no sense…just trying to understand your position.
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Hi James,
Sorry I should have made it more clear.
The president absolutely should have the tactical decision authority to deal with the emergent issues (like the Syria bombing).
But for any longer engagement (i.e. a war) the Congress needs to authorize it like the 2001 authorization against terrorism which is going on into its 16 year.
This type of engagement requires the commitment of the Country, more than individual administration.
I agree the joke about “it takes an act of Congress” can be frustrating, but on certain issues, the democracy does need to take its time.
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