CORNELL UNIVERSITY MEDIA ADVISORY
The War Powers Reform Act is necessary for U.S. security, according to lawmaker and leading scholar
WHAT: The Wars Powers Reform Act (H.R.543) to be discussed by Congressman Chris Gibson and Cornell Law Professor Jens Ohlin
WHEN: Monday, June 9, 2014 at 4 p.m. WHERE: 2103 Rayburn House Office Building, 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington DC
NOTE: Journalists who wish to attend this discussion must RSVP to Kathleen Corcoran in the Cornell Media Relations Office: (703) 299-6738 or [email protected]
Newswise — Washington, D.C. – “The Constitution allocates to the President and Congress shared responsibility for exercising the war-making authority of the national government. While the President is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Congress retains the right to declare war and define and punish offenses against the law of nations. Although the correct balance of power between the two branches of government is complicated, one thing is certain: Congress has a crucial role to play in authorizing the use of military force. Any legislative proposal to augment Congressional participation in that process…is a good idea,” says Cornell Law Professor Jens Ohlin.
Congressman Chris Gibson (R-NY) introduced the War Powers Reform Act (H.R. 543). According to Gibson, “WPRA strikes a new balance between the legislative and executive branch, restoring the intent our Founders had for our Republic, where the two branches share responsibility regarding the use of military force. This bill clarifies the authority of the President to use force, while ensuring the American people are consulted.”
Cornell Law Professor Jens Ohlin specializes in international law and all aspects of criminal law, including domestic, comparative, and international criminal law. His latest work concentrates on the legal implications of remotely piloted drone strikes, and he is a co-editor of a collected volume entitled Targeted Killings: Law and Morality in an Asymmetrical World (Oxford University Press, 2012). He is the co-author of Defending Humanity: When Force is Justified and Why (Oxford University Press, 2008).
Representative Chris Gibson (R-NY) was elected in 2010 and again in 2012 to serve the 20th and 19th Congressional districts, respectively. He has a 24 year Army career and received, among other honors, the Purple Heart. Rep. Gibson serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He has introduced the War Powers Reform Act (H.R. 543).
About Inside Cornell: This event is part of a series held in Washington, D.C. and New York City, featuring high-interest experts working at Cornell University. The free, catered sessions are on-the-record, and media members are welcome to record video and audio as desired.
Contact: Kathleen CorcoranPhone: (703) 299-6738E-Mail: [email protected] Contact the Media Relations Office for information about Cornell's TV and radio studios.
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