Obama Sends Letter to Congress Seeking Authorization of ISIS Fight

[JohnR! 5,495]

Shyte's getting real...

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/us/obama-war-authorization-congress.html?_r=0

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Wednesday formally asked Congress to authorize a three-year military campaign against the terrorist group the Islamic State that would avoid a large-scale invasion and occupation but in addition to air power could include limited ground operations by American forces to hunt down enemy leaders or rescue American personnel.

A proposal sent by the White House to Capitol Hill on Wednesday would formally give the president the power to continue the airstrikes he has been conducting since last fall against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, as well as “associated persons or forces.” The measure would set limits that were never imposed during the wars of the last decade in Afghanistan and Iraq by expiring in three years and withholding permission for “enduring offensive ground combat operations.”

“If left unchecked, ISIL will pose a threat beyond the Middle East, including to the United States homeland,” Mr. Obama wrote. While he repeated his contention that “existing statutes provide me with the authority I need,” he said he wanted to work with Congress to obtain bipartisan support. “I can think of no better way for the Congress to join me in supporting our nation’s security than by enacting this legislation, which would show the world we are united in our resolve to counter the threat posed by ISIL.”

The president’s proposal was sent to Congress shortly after confirmation of the death of Kayla Mueller, 26, an American held by the Islamic State. The draft legislation specifically mentioned her and three other Americans who were held hostage and then killed by the Islamic State — James Foley, Steven J. Sotloff and Peter Kassig — in clauses justifying the need for military action.

If approved, the proposal would be the first time Congress has authorized a president’s use of force since lawmakers voted in 2002 to permit President George W. Bush to invade Iraq. Mr. Obama pulled troops out of Iraq in 2011 but has sent a limited number back as part of his campaign against the Islamic State. His proposed legislation would repeal the 2002 authorization but leave in place separate legislation passed in 2001 allowing force against Al Qaeda and its affiliates.

[thinkvis10n75 1]

Putin wouldn't be caught dead asking for PERMISSION to defend his country. Real men know when to just DO IT.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Putin wouldn't be caught dead asking for PERMISSION to defend his country. Real men know when to just DO IT.

Damn straight!!

Edited February 11, 2015 by Teddy B

[JohnR! 5,495]

Wrong. I guess you can't really include Putin in the 'real man' category....

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/536179-putins-permission-to-invade-ukraine-cancelled/

Putin wouldn't be caught dead asking for PERMISSION to defend his country. Real men know when to just DO IT.

Apparently the meeting was over earlier today... :rofl: :rofl:

Damn straight!!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

If Congress had balls, they would just defund the military.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Since when does Obama ask for permission before acting? He didn't care what Congress said about immigration, did he?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Since when does Obama ask for permission before acting? He didn't care what Congress said about immigration, did he?

He got a pen and a phone, he don't need Congress.

[JohnR! 5,495]

He is asking now. Time for Boehner and Macconel to show their hands.

Since when does Obama ask for permission before acting? He didn't care what Congress said about immigration, did he?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

To summarize what we've learned here thus far: Obama is damned if he does and he is damned if he doesn't ask Congress to engage in a war effort against ISIS.

[asisflyer 47]

He ASKS CONGRESS when the law does not require it (War Powers Act)

He DOES NOT ASK CONGRESS when the law does require it (INA )

Confused?

Edited February 11, 2015 by asisflyer

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

He ASKS CONGRESS when the law does not require it (War Powers Act)

He DOES NOT ASK CONGRESS when the law does require it (INA )

Confused?

Yes, you most certainly are.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Confusing to you, as it may, he is reaching out to Congress. Will the leaders heed his call or continue to be dismissive of matters ot national security?

He ASKS CONGRESS when the law does not require it (War Powers Act)

He DOES NOT ASK CONGRESS when the law does require it (INA )

Confused?

[asisflyer 47]

Yes, you most certainly are.

The President can take unilateral military action without Congressional consent for 90 days pursuant to the War Powers Act. He has a pre-existing Bush Era declaration in addition to the WPA that he can rely on. He has no need to seek Congressional approval to "begin" this process.

Is it meant as some form of goodwill to make Congress feel that they exist again? A return to a 3 branch system?

The Immigration and Naturalization Act on the other hand, he interprets executive enforcement privilege to mean the creation of entirely new policy otherwise legally in contravention of the INA itself. For instance, a strict interpretation of the INA, requires that a LEO who fails to detain an illegal has committed a crime. Every LEO sworn to uphold the laws of the United States must choose between breaking their oath and following a President directive that orders illegal acts.

Thus my point. It is ironic !!! and well beyond Watergate!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Bush era authorization? You mean the 2001 resoltion against those that attacked the US that year and the resolution of the following year that authorized the war against Iraq? How does either of those apply to the effort against ISIS which did not even exist then?

As for the INA, it remains unchanged unril Congrrss changes it.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

He is asking now. Time for Boehner and Macconel to show their hands.

To summarize what we've learned here thus far: Obama is damned if he does and he is damned if he doesn't ask Congress to engage in a war effort against ISIS.

Obama butt kissers.