[Jim Noble]

>>Since the War Powers act, the president can start hostilities without Congress approval<<

But he can't do THIS:

"and 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 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."

[woodyinscc]

Agreed!

And if there is no formal declaration of war, all the benefits afforded those who participate, do not come into play.