Jackson Jambalaya

 We celebrate the 250^th anniversary of U.S. independence this year. In two years, we will celebrate the anniversary of the sacred document that sustains that independence – the United States Constitution. Hopefully, it will still remain the law of the land.

President Donald Trump pays little attention to it. Congress fails to uphold it. Only the U.S. Supreme Court has held it sacrosanct; but the court’s record on that has become spotty as it dallies and allows both executive and legislative branch exceptions. 

The latest incident is the Iran war. The constitution is clear. Congress has the sole power “To declare War.”

Last week, Sen. Roger Wicker published a powerful opinion piece justifying the president’s decision to attack Iran. “I believe the decision was profound, deliberate, and correct,” he said

There was just one problem. It has nothing to do with whether you support the president’s actions or not. The senator’s argument should have been made to congress in support of a war powers resolution. Without an authorizing resolution, the president’s action amounts to a breach of Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11. 

The commander-in-chief may take initial military action without congressional authorization when the U.S. is under attack or imminent threat or is part of an authorized U.N. or NATO action. When the scope escalates, congressional authorization becomes required.

This war began Feb. 28. Joint strikes with Israel killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and three top military leaders. In five days, the U.S. hit nearly 2,000 targets, began dismantling Iran’s missile industrial base and naval assets, and killed more key leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran attacks closed the Strait of Hormuz and spread to multiple countries in the region. Civilian deaths in Iran began to mount, six American soldiers lost their lives, and 140 were injured. The president is considering sending in U.S. troops to secure Iran’s enriched uranium. Bombardments and missile/drone interceptor fire continue daily. Pentagon officials have warned of “scary high” shortages of precision-strike Tomahawk missiles and Patriot PAC-3s interceptors. Over 2,400 ballistic missiles and 3,500 drones were used during the first two days of attacks. 

Senior Republicans told Politico they expect the president to request an emergency appropriation of up to $50 billion to replenish supplies and pay for extended support of American armadas, aircraft, and deployed forces. 

“Once you make the vow, you must be careful to do as you have said” – Deuteronomy 23:21.

Crawford is an author and syndicated columnist from North Jackson.