One of benefits of a committee hearing is the testimony itself. Currently the Senate Judiciary Committee is holding hearings titled "Exercising Congress’s Constitutional Power to End a War," and its about just that. What are the Senate's constitutional powers to end the war in Iraq?
The White House argues that once a war resolution authorizing the use of force is passed, the president's constitutional power of commander in chief allows him to implement it in whatever manner he deems appropriate. But as outlined below, the Constitution gives Congress powers which seem on the surface to provide them opportunities to limit the president. Where does one start and the other begin. Our vague Constitution gives no specific guideline to determine this.
The hearings feature testimony by a variety of constitutional scholars who offer their thoughts. As I go through them I'll do my best to outline their arguments.
