The Unitary Executive is making binding agreements (otherwise known as 'treaties') with Iraq. And they assert that they don't need any Senate approval because it was given in the the 2002 Authorization!
No Need for Approval of Iraq Pact
The Bush administration yesterday advanced a new argument for why it does not require congressional approval to strike a long-term security agreement with Iraq, stating that Congress had already endorsed such an initiative through its 2002 resolution authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein.
So... is the surge working, or are we still bound to 'defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq.' ?
President powers
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
"to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur"
I'd like to salute Rep. Gary L. Ackerman's(D-N.Y.) response to the absurd notion that the 2002 Authorization should be the binding principle.
"I don't think anybody argues today that Saddam Hussein is a threat," he said. "Is it the government of Iraq that's a threat?"
So which is it?
How is it they are always able to successfully argue both sides of the argument? Specifically that "the surge is working" and that "Iraq is a continual threat"
Why does this feel like it always happens?
No terrorist threat is good for the Republicans because it proves the terror alert system, but a REAL terrorist threat is good for the Republicans because it shows that we NEED the terror alert system?
Budget surplus? cut taxes for the rich!
Problem with budget? cut taxes for the rich!
They hate us for our freedoms! So we take away our freedoms.
Please. Congress. Nullify the damn AUMF