Does Bush need congressional authorization to bomb Iran?

[AGENDA21]

"...I sought an additional resolution of support from the Congress to use force against Iraq, should force become necessary. While I appreciate receiving that support, my request for it did not, and my signing this resolution does not, constitute any change in the long-standing positions of the executive branch on either the president's constitutional authority to use force to deter, prevent, or respond to aggression or other threats to U.S. interests or on the constitutionality of the War Powers Resolution."

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021016-11.html

He must terminate hostilities within 60 to 90 days unless Congress authorizes an extension...thats the only restriction.

[Mrspeeker]

1. no

he has been granted war powers and intends to use them on everyone apparently!

[kurth]

2. Nope. The mandate from 2000 election covers it

according to extensive research by his legal scholars.

[BOSSHOG]

3. He doesn't need authorization to bomb blue states

He is a "christian." He is a patriot. He is not above the law; he is the law. He is what every "conservative" in America wants as a leader.

[jody]

4. No. n/t

[Just Me]

5. I believe he need only tie Iran to the "war on terror".

My understanding is the mandate involves those linked to that faux war. So. :shrug: My guess is, if and when he strikes Iran and/or Syria, he and his will assert authority under that mandate. It's just a good thing the part about specifically including the USA in that war was withdrawn. :scared:

[babylonsister]

6. Honestly, since when did he let any stinkin' authorization hold

him back? He's above the law!

[Jack Rabbit]

7. His signing statement would be valid if Iran launched missiles our way

Otherwise, he needs authorization. All he has in mind is a preventive attack to stop Iran from becoming a threat in the intermediate future. That is still a violation of the UN Charter, and therefore a violation of Article Six of the main body of the Constitution even if Congress grants him the authority unanimously.

[bowens43]

8. No, he doesn't. He didn't need it for Iraq either

The War Powers Act of 1973 is all the authorization any president needs.

[stop the bleeding]

9. doesn't matter - he does what Cheney tells him to n/t

[Rocknrule]

10. Der Fuherer answers to no one, not even God!

[Bluebear]

11. He "doesn't need a permission slip" to "keep us safe" nt