Congress and the Army

Beginning of article

When the framers drafted the United States Constitution, they delineated Congress's immense powers in Article I - the power to levy and collect taxes, regulate commerce and banking, coin money and establish post offices, among other things. Congress also has critically important constitutional powers in defense policy: "To make Rules for the Gpvernment and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; To provide for calling forth the Militia. . . . To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the Militia.... To raise and support Armies...." Members of Congress take these responsibilities very seriously. Implied in these and other congressional powers is the responsibility to excercise …