Notice section two, which sets the context for the authorization, GOES STRICTLY THROUGH THE U.N.!
SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR UNITED STATES DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS
The Congress of the United States supports the efforts by the President to--
(a) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq and encourages him in those efforts; and
(b) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions.
In section three, notice again that enforcement of UN resolutions are the key. It says "and", not "or", as in both requirements must be met to allow the President to use force. They are setting him up if things go wrong.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
(a) AUTHORIZATION. The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to
(1) defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions regarding Iraq.
As to the following, there is an "or" in this part, but note the connecting "and" between sections one and two of the following. Without a solid link between Saddam and the 911 maggots, this passage too is suspect.
(b) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION.
In connection with the exercise of the authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the President shall, prior to such exercise or as soon there after as may be feasible, but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that
(1) reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (A) will not adequately protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq or (B) is not likely to lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq, and
(2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorists attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
Words mean things. This is not a declaration of war that will take us into conflict a united people. This is congressional weasal wording that is desinged to let the dems share credit if things go right, and blame Bush if things go wrong.
Regardless, it is a declaration of war in the legal sense (see the post above yours).
And, IIRC, the support for this war (~70%) is higher than any in history. We've never been completely united going to war.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. (a) AUTHORIZATION. The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate.....(2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions regarding Iraq.
That is exactly what he is doing. They cannot cry foul, because they gave him language that they, in retrospect, do not like.
As to sec.3(b)1(B) He has already said flat out and more than once, and more importantly, correctly, that the UN is not enforcing it's own sanctions.