US House of Representatives votes to curtail the President's war powers
Dr. Georg Lofflmann, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, said:-
"The resolution passed by the House of Representatives to curtail President Trump's powers to wage war against Iran is largely a symbolic motion, without full legal force, but it shows how deeply polarized American politics has become, even on matters of war and peace.
"Democrats see the motion as necessary precaution to avoid another devastating war in the Middle East, launched by a President who is unfit to be commander-in-chief and that they voted to impeach for violating his oath of office.
"Republicans, who hold the majority in the Senate where Trump's impeachment is to be on trial soon see, the resolution as publicity stunt and dangerous cosying up to America's enemies.
"Beyond partisan rancour, the resolution has reopened old questions about Congressional oversight of foreign policy and national security and the balance of power between the executive and the legislative branches of government, which has tilted even further in favour of the White House under Trump."
10 January 2020