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I think a good argument can be made that ever since WW2, the Congressional declaration of war has been superceded by the War Powers Act and Authorizations for use of force. They're de facto the same thing, if not de jure. For whatever reason, the United States no longer declares war on anyone, it's become an outdated/obsolete notion. Nowadays, the Congress just authorizes the use of force, it's the same thing.

You could not be more wrong.

First of all, it is the People of the United States who declare war, acting through their representatives in Congress assembled.

Here's the punch line of the December 8, 1941 declaration: " the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Imperial Government of Japan; and, to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the United States."

"All the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress..."

THAT is precisely what has been missing from our military actions since June 25, 1950, and it is also what is missing in Iraq today.

Here's the Punchline from the AUMF re: 9/11:

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. “(a) In General.—That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons.

Quote:
"ALL necessary and appropriate force" "in order to prevent ANY future acts"

I mean, isn't it the same thing? In 1941 they said "All the resources" in 2001 they said "All necessary and appropriate force" It seems the same to me.

What's the difference between "ALL the resources of the country...to bring the conflict to a successful termination" and "ALL necessary and appropriate force...in order to prevent any future acts"?