Quote:
Originally posted by strandinthewind
Actually, the Pres. of the U.S. can via the "War Powers Act" pretty much unilaterally engage our armed forces into any hostilities, etc. He should report to Congress, which Bush has done. The War Powers Act is a subject of many many debates. Here is a link to a site for more information http://www.cs.indiana.edu/statecraft/warpow.html
and another
http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/02021101.htm 9this is an opt-ed from Sen. Feingold)
In sum, the War Powers Act in practice if not in intent has usurped the Const.'s clear dictation that Congress declares war. but, no one has challeged it and it has worked on the past for every Pres. since its inception in 1973.
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That is a good point, but I still don't think they refer to any engagements officially as a war unless Congress declares. Although, I may be wrong. During the coverage of both Gulf conflicts, the term "War" was used repeatedly.
Rob 
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