My understanding is under the 1973 War Powers Act, a president has the authority to respond to an “imminent threat” without congressional approval, so long as he notifies Congress in writing within 48 hours. Then the president has 60 days either to withdraw U.S. forces from their engagement or to get Congress to authorize the military action. President Trump launched U.S. attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. He notified Congress on March 2. He claims the 60-day period is not applicable. I shared my thoughts with Sen. Dave McCormick and asked him if he believed there was an imminent threat from Iran, and to use his military experience and training at West Point to hold the president accountable for his actions. I also contacted Sen. John Fetterman, writing that I appreciate that he does not want to see “boots on the ground” in Iran, but supports regime change. An appropriate question on which to press the president, then, is: Was regime change an objective of this war, is it still so, and what is the strategy? The president can use whatever words he tries, but once again, reality tells us a different story. Placing military personnel and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and firing at Iranian vessels and locations, sure seems like war to me.
Carolyn Coldren,
Lewisburg