by Travis Normand

In his article on April 20th 2012, Bruce Ackerman stated the following quote as fact:

The risk of attacks from Yemen may be real. But the 2001 resolution doesn’t provide the president with authority to respond to these threats without seeking further congressional consent.

Mr. Ackerman may be 100% correct and there are undoubtedly many experts out there that share his point of view. However, one must not be confused by his factual assertion that the “2001 resolution doesn’t provide the president with the authority to respond to these threats . . . .”

If I am not mistaken, whether or not the President needs further congressional consent is exactly what makes this area of law so difficult. It is this point that many debate on a daily basis.

Again, I am not stating my own opinion on whether or not I believe the 2001 resolution gives such authority. I am merely pointing out that Mr. Ackerman’s statement could easily be read as a factual assertion.

If there is any question as to whether or not this is a settled discussion, one must only look to the fact that this was posted in the Opinions section of the WashingtonPost.com.

To read the rest of his column, go here!