Text of Declaration of War on Bulgaria – June 5, 1942
August 7, 2008 by historicalresources
JOINT DECLARATIONS BY THE (U.S.) CONGRESS
June 5, 1942
Dept. of State Bulletin, June 6, 1942.
“JOINT RESOLUTION Declaring that a state of war exists between the Government of Bulgaria and the Government and the people of the United States and making provisions to prosecute the same. (Public Law 563, 77th Congress.)
“Whereas the Government of Bulgaria has formally declared war against the Government and the people of the United States of America: Therefore be it
“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled, That the state of war between the United States and the Government of Bulgaria which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared; and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Government of Bulgaria; and, to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the United States.
“Approved, June 5, 1942.” (Joint resolutions declaring a state of war with Hungary and Rumania, mutatis mutandis, were also approved June 5, 1942.) (Public Law 564 and 565, respectively.)
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Can we wander and wonder beneath the fold?
That was seventy years ago. It was the very last time congress formally declared war; last time congress ever utilized a certain power bestowed upon it by the Olympian gods of 1787. Since then, there have been five major wars, and so many "incursions" that I wonder why people even keep count anymore.
Suffice it to say, a part of Article: 1; Section: 8 of the constitution is a mere vestige. Why?
My guess would be, "plausible (poltical) deniability," or, "Wadd'n me, buddy." Congress is sharp enough to know that people can't remember who voted for what, in general. Apparently, they've decided that hiding out in an invisible crowd is even better. Sherlock Holmes couldn't find these people.
I would add that maybe they could extend this practice to other areas, but the Republicans seem to have beaten me to the punch on that one.
Congress. God save 'em. I'm tired of trying.