Kaine wants more say for Congress in War Powers Act

[unhappycamper]

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/01/kaine-wants-more-say-congress-war-powers-act

Kaine wants more say for Congress in War Powers Act
By Bill Bartel
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 17, 2014

U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and John McCain proposed Thursday that the War Powers Act be rewritten to give legislators a stronger say in deciding to send troops into armed conflict.

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Their measure focuses on the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a law meant to clarify provisions in the U.S. Constitution that give Congress the power to declare war but state that the president is the military's commander in chief.

The 1973 resolution requires the president to consult Congress before committing forces abroad, with some exceptions. The president can take action without legislative approval after an attack on the United States, its territories or its military, the law says.

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Among the changes the senators proposed: establishing a permanent congressional committee to consult with the president when considering military action; requiring a congressional vote within 30 days of a president engaging U.S. forces, in order to ensure a public debate; and requiring the president to consult with Congress before engaging in a combat operation expected to last more than seven days.