Dornan Offers Bill to Repeal War Powers Act

Rep. Robert K. Dornan submitted legislation Thursday that would give the President more power to send U.S. troops into battle.

The bill by Dornan (R-Garden Grove) would repeal the War Powers Act, a law passed in 1973 as the United States was phasing out its involvement in Vietnam. Congress used the measure to curtail the chief executive’s authority to engage in prolonged military skirmishes.

Dornan said he believes the act is unconstitutional and unfairly limits the President’s power as commander-in-chief. It also gives Congress the ability to “micro-manage” foreign policy, he said.

Dornan, a former Air Force pilot and current member of the House National Security Committee, has been a passionate critic of President Clinton’s lack of military service. But Dornan introduced the bill despite the possibility that it could enhance Clinton’s foreign policy authority.

The War Powers Act “is used merely as a political stick with which to beat the President, regardless of political party or ideology,” Dornan said. “The need to repeal the resolution transcends party lines because the President should not be deprived of this fundamental constitutional authority.”

The law, which passed over then-President Richard Nixon’s veto, requires the President to seek approval from Congress to commit U.S. forces for more than 60 days in an area of ongoing or imminent danger. Since its adoption, the War Powers Act has created tension between Congress and the White House by forcing Presidents to consult with the legislative branch before deploying military troops.

Dornan’s legislation would require the President to regularly report to Congress on the use of U.S. forces but would not prevent the President from deploying troops at any time.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) has introduced similar legislation in his chamber.