Congressional approval very rarely sought by Presidents.

[pnwmom]

And according to one report, Obama just decided last night -- against the opinions of his advisors.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ixgJAHN0XchbYavLNzkgwLOn4Zxw?docId=CNG.d2c3e2e949a96fd2602d35b86939897d.3a1

SNIP

While the US Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, the last time that a formal declaration was adopted was in 1941, when the United States entered World War II.

Since then, a succession of American presidents have unilaterally initiated military strikes or land invasions on numerous occasions without Congressional approval, invoking their constitutional authority as commander in chief.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973, initiated in response to the deeply unpopular Vietnam War, in theory requires the President to seek authorization from lawmakers for any military intervention lasting beyond 60 days.

President George W. Bush sought and received authorization under the resolution before launching the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

But most presidents have acted as if the 1973 act, which President Richard Nixon unsuccessfully attempted to veto, is unconstitutional.

SNIP

http://www.boston.com/news/world/2013/08/31/obama-made-last-minute-decision-syria-approval/LuKrh3JpW0p08siGxLisPO/story.html

The officials describe a president overriding all his top national security advisers, who believe consulting with Congress was sufficient.

The officials say Obama spent the week wrestling with Congress’ role and made the decision Friday after a lengthy discussion with his chief of staff, Denis McDonough. They say Obama decided seeking approval would make the U.S. stronger even though he still believes he has the authority to act alone.

[Just Saying]

1. Good read!

Although he's not looking to declare war, I think getting Congress involved is an excellent decision. For one thing, it gives the American people a voice in the discussion. It also shows that President Obama doesn't take the idea if military strikes in Syria lightly. An added bonus is that it makes Congress put themselves out there rather than be able to play armchair CIC and criticize the President either way. (Which is also happening right here on DU!)

[Logical]

2. Well, I hope the outrage here partially helped Obama do the correct thing. n-t

[Whisp]

6. *snort.

I'm sure he logs in frequently to see what a bunch of screamers' opinions on important matters are. Especially those that call him lazy, worse than Bush, wall street stooge, ... I mean, who wouldn't respect opinions of such, opinions.

lolz.

or in other words, Obama doesn't know what he is doing and he needs the guidance of DU.

omg. pissing myself laughing.

[Logical]

9. Ahhh, someone needs a nap. n-t

[Whisp]

10. nope. I am bright eyed and unBushy tailed, but thanks for your concern

about my zzzZZZzzzs.

[MH1]

15. +1. What you said.

[tblue]

3. The Constitution. It's not that complicated.

I'm glad he's doing this.

[pnwmom]

11. No SCOTUS has ever held that a short engagement constituted a war

that required approval under the Constitution.

That's why Congress enacted the War Powers Act, which most other Presidents have routinely ignored.

[gopiscrap]

4. Good for Obama

[rhett o rick]

5. I am happily surprised. nm

[leftstreet]

7. He's been blaming Congress for 5 years. Why stop now? n/t

[G_j]

8. encouraging indeed

for Obama to override his top advisors!
It was the right decision.

[Crimson76]

12. I think the President is looking to Congress to bail him out, of the "red line" jam he put himself

I am worried about what the quid pro quo is going to be, I would speculate its the Individual Mandate or Pre-existing conditions in ACA, I really don't want to be that big of a conspiracy theorist.

[pnwmom]

13. I think he's called their bluff. They've been squawking about having the power.

Now they can feel what it's like to exercise it.

[Jefferson23]

14. I am not concerned about what the motive was to do this, just very pleased he is doing it.

If he ends up with a go ahead that will be unfortunate imo, but what is most important is that he
is seeking the vote. The next president will have to reckon with this example as well..a good thing.