War on Terror: Congress vs. the President

Macon Lawyers Chapter

Speaker:

• Mackenzie Eaglen, Senior Policy Analyst for Defense and Homeland Security Issues, The Heritage Foundation

Speaker:

• Mackenzie Eaglen, Senior Policy Analyst for Defense and Homeland Security Issues, The Heritage Foundation

Some members of the U.S. Congress are attempting to use the "power of the purse" to place restrictions on the use of funds by the Administration in the conduct of the War on Terror. Various potential restrictions being discussed include an exacting timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and the imposition of benchmarks and goals with a timeframe for mandatory reports by the President as well as for their ultimate achievement. Critics of the proposed requirements argue that Congress is attempting to micromanage the war, infringing on the President's Commander in Chief authority in violation of fundamental separation of powers principles. Proponents assert that Congress is well within its rights when attaching conditions on the expenditure of appropriated funds. Who has the better argument?

Mackenzie Eaglen received her master's degree in national security studies from Georgetown University in 2001. She graduated from Mercer University with a bachelor's degree in international affairs while serving in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps.

RSVP by May 7th to Steve Dillard at: [email protected].  

There is no cost to attend the event, and lunch will be provided.