Mike Thompson: “on its face, this resolution is hard to challenge. Of course, we want to do whatever it takes to win a conflict we are…”

“on its face, this resolution is hard to challenge. Of course, we want to do whatever it takes to win a conflict we are engaged in. However, voting for this Resolution, while appealing to my instincts, would go against what I believe to be my obligation. This Resolution is essentially a Declaration of War--a Declaration of War that the President hasn't even requested. It would give to the President a blank check for an indefinite period of time, regardless of any changes in circumstances. It does not even require that we act in concert with our NATO allies. Congress' Constitutional authority to declare war presupposes that the President will support such action. In each of the five wars for which Congress has passed Declarations of War, none have come without a specific presidential request. This resolution today, however, would grant the President authority he has not sought, based on the War Powers Resolution he does not recognize, to fight a ground war he has promised he will not undertake. If the Commander in Chief decides that we need ground troops in Yugoslavia, then he should come to the Congress and request them. At that time, the Congress would have the opportunity to ask certain questions, such as: what are our vital national interests here? what are our military and political objectives? do we propose to take Belgrade or parts or all of Kosovo? how do we propose to get our troops into the battle area? how many troops will it take?”