Congressional leaders baffled by Mattis asking their permission to strike Syria

MSgt Danny Hope
Wow, somebody in Washington who follows the rules.

I have serious doubts about the War Powers Act, I think it is probably unconstitutional. But, I also don't believe that the President can just start military operations at will without Congressional approval. The Commander in Chief can act to protect the nation from imminent attack. But before initiating offensive military operations, however, the President needs to get Congressional approval. The founding fathers designed it this way, they wanted us to have a conversation before going to war.