With the recent debate on whether Congress has the authority to cut funding or otherwise try to reign in a Presidential war, you might be interested in this new Congressional Research Service Report:
“Congressional Restrictions on U.S. Military Operations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, and Kosovo: Funding and Non-Funding Approaches,” January 16, 2007:
According to the report text:
The main body of this report is a series of tables and an appendix that summarize and cite bill language that was intended to end or restrict U.S. military operations in Indochina between 1970 and 1973, in Somalia in 1993, and in Kosovo in 1999. The report covers enacted provisions or those where there were roll call votes but the provision was not ultimately enacted. The first table outlines proposals that restrict funding and the second table describes other types of restrictions.
Considering that the House was in Republican hands in 1999, it is possible that some of the same people who now argue that Congress’ hands are tied by the “Commander in Chief”, were arguing the opposite side in 1999. They should not be taken seriously now unless they can adqueately explained what changed their mind about the power of Congress during war.
Thanks to Secrecy News for the tip!
