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Why Congress rarely pushes back when presidents deploy military force

NPR Topics: News·@SamGringlas·2 months ago
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By Sam Gringlas The White House released a video on Feb. 28 of President Trump discussing strikes on Iran. The White House/Screenshot by NPR hide caption The Constitution gives Congress alone the power to declare war, but modern presidents have asserted broad authority to use military force. Congress has done little to push back, including last week, when lawmakers voted down a resolution to halt President Trump's military action against Iran. Democrats have sparred with Republicans and the administration over the legality of the strikes. "We shouldn't be at war without a debate or vote," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. "That is what the framers intended." "We've overcomplied with the law and what it requires," Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters after briefing lawmakers last week. "This is an action by the president to address a real threat." The Constitution says the president is commander in chief. It also says the power to declare war rests with Congress.…

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