Declaration of War

In the aftermath of the devistating terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C., there has been talk of an official Declaration of War against the persons responsible. A Declaration of War would give the President of the United States almost unlimited power in using our military forces.

Many experts say a Declaration of War now would be premature.

"Congress is shirking its responsibility if it authorizes the president to use force when we haven't determined who it is we're using force against," said Lindsay. "The potential ramifications are enormous."

James Lindsay, a national security expert with the Brookings Institution, says it would be tantamount to signing a "blank check for the president to wage war," likening it to the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin resolution, which gave President Johnson unlimited powers to wage war in Vietnam.

Only a handful of lawmakers have suggested formally declaring war.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.., has urged his colleagues to consider a declaration of war against bin Laden and his "co-conspirators," as well as the Taliban — the hard-line Islamic regime that controls most of Afghanistan, where bin Laden is believed to reside and run terrorist training camps.

Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., on September 17th, introduced a formal declaration of war against all international terrorists and their sponsors.

Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., told reporters on Capitol Hill: "Whether we declare it or however you describe it, we are at war."

Should Congress pass a Declaration of War, giving the President vast authority to conduct military operations against those responsible for the attacks?