.@SenJeffMerkley's Constitutional Consideration for Use of Force Act is an important step in restoring Congress’ constitutional war powers to decide on going to war.
It would replace the 2001 and 2002 #AUMFs still being used as legal authority to fight terrorist groups.
Instead of an open ended authorization, it would authorize war only in Afghanistan and Iraq and only against al Qaeda, the Taliban and ISIL.
It would give President Trump six months to make the case to Congress that it should authorize the current wars in other countries and other groups.
It would require Trump and all future Presidents to come to Congress and secure authorization in advance before expanding the current wars to new countries and new groups.
That what’s constitutional separation of powers demands.
A competing proposal by Senators Corker and Kaine could result in President Trump unilaterally expanding the current wars against terrorist groups in the Middle East to new countries or against new groups, surrendering congressional war powers instead of reclaiming them.
