Bill would require Congress approval to increase US troops in Iraq (AFP)

[Eugene]

Bill would require Congress approval to increase US troops in Iraq

50 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A top Senate Democrat introduced legislation that would
require US President George W. Bush to get congressional approval before sending
additional US troops to Iraq.

In a statement, the office of Senator Chris Dodd said the original US military
mission in Iraq, which Congress authorized in 2002, "has been radically transformed
by events in the region," and that Bush therefore must seek an entirely new
authorization from the US legislature before expanding it.

Dodd, a Democratic candidate for the 2008 presidential election, proposed his bill
after Bush unveiled last week plans to send 21,500 more soldiers to Iraq -- a move
which has been met with fierce opposition from Democrats in Congress.

-snip-

In his statement, Dodd, who said Congress authorization of the Iraq war more than
four years ago is now "moot and irrelevant," said his bill would cap the number
of US troops in Iraq at 130,000.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070117/pl_afp/usiraqmilitarypolitics_070117052412

[Divine Discontent]

1. that's the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it

OH YEAH!!! NOW WE'RE TALKIN'!



www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- antibush prodem stickers/shirts

[FrenchieCat]

2. Great start!

Neuter Bush, I say!

[rwenos]

3. Caution - War Powers Act

The War Powers Act is probably unconstitutional, on separation of powers grounds. My Constitutional Law professor (a loyal liberal) reluctantly granted that 19 years ago -- and it's sure as heck never been tested since then.

The conundrum is, Will the Court back up the President or Congess, if it comes to a showdown? Even when the War Powers Act was passed in 1974 or thereabouts, there was a question about its constitutionality.

Don't bet this Court would order the President to report to Congress, no matter WHAT legislation they pass. More likely, Chimpie will deploy the forces, then dare Congress to cut off funding. Which they almost certainly will lack the cojones to do.

[lumberjack_jeff]

6. The way to test it is to impeach Bush on that basis.

Until it's tested by the courts, it's the law of the land.

We've had 25 years of presidents seizing power they don't have. Why not the people?

[HuffleClaw]

4. won't work though

bush'll simply say the original authorization is his 'ok.'

[lligrd]

5. Worse Yet

He'll sign it and add a signing statement saying it doesn't apply to him.