rb...much of the alleged abuses resulted from Bush unilaterally determing that the two congressional "Authorization for Use of Military Force" (AUMF) after 9/11 and to invade Iraq gave him unlimited and unchecked powers equal to that of a formal declaration of war. He used it to justify torture, abrigation of treaty obligations, denial of basic rights to detainees, warrentless wiretapping of citizens, etc.
No future president should have that authority.
On a separate track from the proposed Commission in the bill, we need a comprehensive review of the process of taking the country to war.
The recommendations of the National War Powers Commission would be a good place to start.
Quote:
The Miller Center's National War Powers Commission, co-chaired by former Secretaries of State James A. Baker, III and Warren Christopher, July 8 recommended that Congress repeal the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and substitute a new statute that would provide for more meaningful consultation between the president and Congress on matters of war.
National War Powers Commission - Miller Center of Public Affairs
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But that may be better left to a separate discussion.