The War Powers Consultation Act of 2009 - A Means for Congress to Curb an Imperial President?

Few areas of constitutional law have generated more controversy and debate as to the respective powers of the Executive and Legislative branch than the decision to take the nation to war. In an effort to regain some control over Presidential war powers in response to the Vietnam War Congress passed the War Powers Resolution in 1973. However, due to deficiencies in this statute this effort has not been very successful. This paper examines whether it is in the interest of Congress to replace the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by the in 2009 proposed War Powers Consultation Act.