US UK Coalition Attack Houthis

[Kathianne]

Finally. Here's the problem; consensus is that Houthis/Iran will retaliate, will US keep up the pressure? I have doubts:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/12/world-reacts-to-us-uk-attacks-on-houthi-targets-in-yemen

[revelarts]

For anyone who says they care about "the Rule of Law"

Introduced in Senate (01/18/1973)
War Powers Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of the Armed Forces of the United States in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities.

States that the Act is not intended to encroach upon the recognized powers of the President, as Commander in Chief, to conduct hostilities authorized by the Congress,
to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks upon the United States, including its territories and possessions,
to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks against the Armed Forces of the United States,
and under proper circumstances,
to rescue endangered citizens of the United States located in foreign countries.

Provides that in the absence of a declaration of war by the Congress, the Armed Forces of the United States may be introduced in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only:
(a) to repel an armed attack upon the United States, its territories and possessions;
to take necessary and appropriate retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack;
and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (b)
to repel an armed attack against the Armed Forces of the United States located outside of the United States, its territories and possessions, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (c)
to protect while evacuating citizens of the United States, as rapidly as possible, from any country in which such citizens are present with the express or tacit consent of the government of such country, and who are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives, either sponsored by such government or beyond the power of such government to control; or (d)
pursuant to specific statutory authorization, but authority to introduce the Armed Forces of the United States into hostilities shall not be inferred from any provision of law, including any provision contained in any appropriation act, unless such provisions specifically authorized the introduction of such Armed Forces in hostilities and exempts the introduction of such armed forces from compliance with the provisions of this Act.

Stipulates that no treaty in force at the time of the enactment of this Act shall be construed as specific statutory authority for, or a specific exemption permitting, the introduction of the Armed Forces in any such situation.

Provides that the use of the Armed Forces of the United States in hosilities pursuant to this Act shall be reported promptly in writing by the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, together with a full account of the circumstances under which such hostilities were initiated, the estimated scope of such hositlities, and the consistency of such hostilities with the applicable provisions of this Act.

States that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act shall not be sustained beyond thirty days from the date of their initiation except as provided in specific legislation enacted for that purpose by the Congress. Provides that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act may be terminated prior to the thirty day period by statute or joint resolution of Congress.

Directs that any bill or resolution, authorizing continuance or termination of military hostilities shall, if sponsored or co-sponsored by one third of the Members of the House of Congress in which it originates, be considered reported to the floor of such House no later than one day following its introduction, unless the Members otherwise determine by yeas and nays; and any such bill or resolution referred to a committee after having passed one House of Congress shall be considered reported from such committee within one day after it is referred to such committee, unless the Members of the House referring it to committee shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.

Provides that any bill or resolution reported shall immediately become the pending business of the House to which it is reported, and shall be voted upon within three days after such report, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.

Declares that this Act will take affect upon enactment.

[Gunny]

Finally. Here's the problem; consensus is that Houthis/Iran will retaliate, will US keep up the pressure? I have doubts:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/12/world-reacts-to-us-uk-attacks-on-houthi-targets-in-yemen

U.S. Hits Houthi Targets in Yemen with Strike Fighters, Warships and Submarines - USNI News (https://news.usni.org/2024/01/11/us-strikes-houthi-targets-in-yemen-from-air-surface-and-subsurface)

Bigger question is how long it can be sustained.
At-Sea Billet Gaps Rise to 22,000 for E1-E4 Sailors, CNP Says - USNI News (https://news.usni.org/2024/01/10/at-sea-billet-gaps-rise-to-22000-for-e1-e4-sailors-cnp-says)

The Navy and industry is at least addressing the materiel issue while on a 1930s - style military budget. Have to see if I can find that article. All the materiel in the World cannot run if no one's there to operate it.

[revelarts]

the version previous was the bill
this is the final version
H.J. Res 542

Ninety-third Congress of the United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and seventy-three

Joint Resolution

Concerning the war powers of Congress and the President
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SHORT TITLE
SECTION 1. This joint resolution may be cited as the " War Powers Resolution".

PURPOSE AND POLICY
SEC. 2. (a) It is the purpose of this joint resolution to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations.
(b) Under article I, section 8, of the Constitution, it is specifically provided that the Congress shall have the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution, not only its own powers but also all other powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
(c) The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to
(1) a declaration of war,
(2) specific statutory authorization, or
(3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.

CONSULTATION

SEC. 3. The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and after every such introduction shall consult regularly with the Congress until United States Armed Forces are no longer engaged in hostilities or have been removed from such situations.

REPORTING

SEC. 4. (a) In the absence of a declaration of war, in any case in which United States Armed Forces are introduced—
(1) into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances;
(2) into the territory, airspace or waters of a foreign nation, while equipped for combat, except for deployments which relate solely to supply, replacement, repair, or training of such forces; or
(3) in numbers which substantially enlarge United States Armed Forces equipped for combat already located in a foreign nation;


H.J. Res. 542-2

the President shall submit within 48 hours to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President pro tempore of the Senate a report, in writing, setting forth—
(A) the circumstances necessitating the introduction of United States Armed Forces;
(B) the constitutional and legislative authority under which such introduction took place; and
(C) the estimated scope and duration of the hostilities or involvement.
(b) The President shall provide such other information as the Congress may request in the fulfillment of its constitutional responsibilities with respect to committing the Nation to war and to the use of United States Armed Forces abroad.
(c) Whenever United States Armed Forces are introduced into hostilities or into any situation described in subsection (a) of this section, the President shall, so long as such armed forces continue to be engaged in such hostilities or situation, report to the Congress periodically on the status of such hostilities or situation as well as on the scope and duration of such hostilities or situation, but in no event shall he report to the Congress less often than once every six months.

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION

SEC. 5. (a) Each report submitted pursuant to section 4(a) (1) shall be transmitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President pro tempore of the Senate on the same calendar day. Each report so transmitted shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate for appropriate action. If, when the report is transmitted, the Congress has adjourned sine die or has adjourned for any period in excess of three calendar days, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, if they deem it advisable (or if petitioned by at least 30 percent of the membership of their respective Houses) shall jointly request the President to convene Congress in order that it may consider the report and take appropriate action pursuant to this section.
(b) Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is required to be submitted pursuant to section 4 (a) (1) , whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required to be submitted), unless the Congress
(1) has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces,
(2) has extended by law such sixty-day period, or
(3) is physically unable to meet as a result of an armed attack upon the United States. Such sixty-day period shall be extended for not more than an additional thirty days if the President determines and certifies to the Congress in writing that unavoidable military necessity respecting the safety of United States Armed Forces requires the continued use of such armed forces in the course of bringing about a prompt removal of such forces.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), at any time that United States Armed Forces are engaged in hostilities outside the territory of the United States, its possessions and territories without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization, such forces shall be removed by the President if the Congress so directs by concurrent resolution.


H.J. Res. 542-3

CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY PROCEDURES FOR JOINT RESOLUTION OR BILL

SEC. 6. (a) Any joint resolution or bill introduced pursuant to section 5(b) at least thirty calendar days before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in such section shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, as the case may be, and such committee shall report one such joint resolution or bill, together with its recommendations, not later than twenty-four calendar days before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in such section, unless such House shall otherwise determine by the yeas and nays.
(b) Any joint resolution or bill so reported shall become the pending business of the House in question (in the case of the Senate the time for debate shall be equally divided between the proponents and the opponents), and shall be voted on within three calendar days thereafter, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
(c) Such a joint resolution or bill passed by one House shall be referred to the committee of the other House named in subsection (a) and shall be reported out not later than fourteen calendar days before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in section 5(b). The joint resolution or bill so reported shall become the pending business of the House in question and shall be voted on within three calendar days after it has been reported, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
(d) In the case of any disagreement between the two Houses of Congress with respect to a joint resolution or bill passed by both Houses, conferees shall be promptly appointed and the committee of conference shall make and file a report with respect to such resolution or bill not later than four calendar days before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in section 5(b). In the event the conferees are unable to agree within 48 hours, they shall report back to their respective Houses in disagreement. Notwithstanding any rule in either House concerning the printing of conference reports in the Record or concerning any delay in the consideration of such reports, such report shall be acted on by both Houses not later than the expiration of such sixty-day period.

CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY PROCEDURES FOR CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

SEC. 7. (a) Any concurrent resolution introduced pursuant to section 5(c) shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, as the case may be, and one such concurrent resolution shall be reported out by such committee together with its recommendations within fifteen calendar days, unless such House shall otherwise determine by the yeas and nays.
(b) Any concurrent resolution so reported shall become the pending business of the House in question (in the case of the Senate the time for debate shall be equally divided between the proponents and the opponents) and shall be voted on within three calendar days thereafter, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
(c) Such a concurrent resolution passed by one House shall be referred to the committee of the other House named in subsection (a) and shall be reported out by such committee together with its recommendations within fifteen calendar days and shall thereupon become the pending business of such House and shall be voted upon within


H.J. Res. 542-4

three calendar days, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
(d) In the case of any disagreement between the two Houses of Congress with respect to a concurrent resolution passed by both Houses, conferees shall be promptly appointed and the committee of conference shall make and file a report with respect to such concurrent resolution within six calendar days after the legislation is referred to the committee of conference. Notwithstanding any rule in either House concerning the printing of conference reports in the Record or concerning any delay in the consideration of such reports, such report shall be acted on by both Houses not later than six calendar days after the conference report is filed. I n the event the conferees are unable to agree within 48 hours, they shall report back to their respective Houses in disagreement.

INTERPRETATION OF JOINT RESOLUTION

SEC. 8. (a) Authority to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations wherein involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances shall not be inferred—
(1) from any provision of law (whether or not in effect before the date of the enactment of this joint resolution), including any provision contained in any appropriation Act, unless such provision specifically authorizes the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into such situations and states that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this joint resolution; or
(2) from any treaty heretofore or hereafter ratified unless such treaty is implemented by legislation specifically authorizing the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into such situations and stating that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this joint resolution.
(b) Nothing in this joint resolution shall be construed to require any further specific statutory authorization to permit members of United States Armed Forces to participate jointly with members of the armed forces of one or more foreign countries in the headquarters operations of high-level military commands which were established prior to the date of enactment of this joint resolution and pursuant to the United Nations Charter or any treaty ratified by the United States prior to such date.
(c) For purposes of this joint resolution, the term "introduction of United States Armed Forces" includes the assignment of members of such armed forces to command, coordinate, participate in the movement of, or accompany the regular or irregular military forces of any foreign country or government when such military forces are engaged, or there exists an imminent threat that such forces will become engaged, in hostilities.
(d) Nothing in this joint resolution—
(1) is intended to alter the constitutional authority of the Congress or of the President, or the provisions of existing treaties; or
(2) shall be construed as granting any authority to the President with respect to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations wherein involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances which authority he would not have had in the absence of this joint resolution.


H.J. Res 542-5
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
Sec. 9. If any provision of this joint resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the joint resolution and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected hereby.

EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 10. This join resolution shall take effect on the date of its enactment.
[signature]
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
[signature]
[crossed out] Vice President of the United States and
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE [hanwritten] PRO TEMPORE.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S.,
November 7,1973.
The House of Representatives having proceeded to reconsider the resolution (H. J. Res. 542) entitled "Joint resolution concerning the war powers of Congress and the President", returned by the President of the United States with his objections, to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, it was
Resolved [end underline], That the said resolution pass, two-thirds of the House of Representatives agreeing to pass the same.
Attest:
[signature] W. Pat Jennings
Clerk.
I certify that this Joint Resolution originated in the House of Representatives.
[handwritten signature] W. Pat Jennings
Clerk.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 7, 1973.
The Senate having proceeded to reconsider the joint resolution (H. J. Res. 542) entitled "Joint resolution concerning the war powers of Congress and the President", returned by the President of the United States with his objections to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, it was
[underlined] Resolved [end underline], That the said joint resolution pass, two-thirds of the Senators present having voted in the affirmative.
Attest:
[signature] Francis R. Valeo
Secretary.




BTW
I don't see any
"Unless other presidents have done it before..." sections.
or
"I'm glad that the military is there..." clauses.
or
"except when for all intents and purposes we've already been at war with ______...." resolution
or
"It's better we fight them over there than over here..." amendment
or
"Unless it's against Pirates, Terrorists, aliens, or to help our very special ally in a special region..." clauses
or
"If a certain sections of the public think it's a good idea or really LIKE it then, it's constitutional..." amendments
or
"Except If the U.S. doesn't intervene with military then other nations that we don't like will take too much advantage.. or [U]MAYBE one day kill us all!!..." sections
or
"If the president and his supporters thinks he only needs to apply the constitution when he wants too... like a buffet" resolutions
or even
" if the congress doesn't know what it's doing..." sections

[Gunny]

Nobody's declared war. Defending commercial vessels under attack by pirates/responding to distress calls in international waters is and has traditionally been part of the US Navy's mission. Piracy is a violation of international law.

You have no argument.

[revelarts]

Nobody's declared war. Defending commercial vessels under attack by pirates/responding to distress calls in international waters is and has traditionally been part of the US Navy's mission. Piracy is a violation of international law.

You have no argument.

If anyone "surgically" fired 70 plus missiles at unmanned weapons depots in Seal Beach CA, Yorktown VA or elsewhere, "only" killing a dozen or so U.S. civilians and military.
Would you consider it an act of war against the U.S.?
I'm guessing that you would.

I'm not sure how we can pretend that shooting missiles into other people's countries is somehow magically NOT an act of war when we do it to others.
But if it's done to us, for ANY reason real or imagined, it's an unequivocal act of war, without any doubt, that OF COURSE should be responded to as such.

[Gunny]

Superhornets strike back. The world’s just watched a turnaround in tactics worthy of a Hollywood thriller (foxnews.com) (https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/superhornets-strike-back-worlds-watched-turnaround-tactics-hollywood-thriller)