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Next Move: Repeal War Powers
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02/21/07 06:00 AM ET
Okay, what’s next? For the second time, Republicans blocked debate over Iraq on the Senate floor. So, what’s next?
There’s only one answer: President Bush didn’t want a non-binding resolution. So, Democrats should give him something binding, instead. The next priority for Democrats in Congress should be to repeal the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of military force in Iraq.
There are three good reasons for doing so:
1. We know Bush lied to Congress about WMD in order to get the original resolution passed. So it’s based on false pretenses.
2. In his conduct of the war, Bush has abused his authority ever since: not sending enough troops, not protecting troops or vehicles with armor, keeping them in the middle of a civil war.
3. If Congress doesn’t stop him now, Bush will use the same authority to start another war in Iran. In fact, he’s already trying to do so.
So, there’s no doubt what Congress must do next: Take George Bush’s war-making authority away from him. Then give it back with clear strings attached: no more troops; existing troops can only be used to train Iraqis, not fight a civil war; troops must start coming home in 90-100 days; and all troops must be out by 2008.
They couldn’t pass a non-binding resolution. Maybe the Senate will have better luck on something with teeth.
There’s only one answer: President Bush didn’t want a non-binding resolution. So, Democrats should give him something binding, instead. The next priority for Democrats in Congress should be to repeal the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of military force in Iraq.
There are three good reasons for doing so:
1. We know Bush lied to Congress about WMD in order to get the original resolution passed. So it’s based on false pretenses.
2. In his conduct of the war, Bush has abused his authority ever since: not sending enough troops, not protecting troops or vehicles with armor, keeping them in the middle of a civil war.
3. If Congress doesn’t stop him now, Bush will use the same authority to start another war in Iran. In fact, he’s already trying to do so.
So, there’s no doubt what Congress must do next: Take George Bush’s war-making authority away from him. Then give it back with clear strings attached: no more troops; existing troops can only be used to train Iraqis, not fight a civil war; troops must start coming home in 90-100 days; and all troops must be out by 2008.
They couldn’t pass a non-binding resolution. Maybe the Senate will have better luck on something with teeth.
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