Washington, April 23 (RHC)-- The New York Times is reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump launched airstrikes against Syria last week despite opposition from his own defense secretary, James Mattis, who wanted Trump to first get congressional approval.  Trump has faced a backlash from lawmakers, who have described the strikes on Syria as illegal since the U.S. president did not seek congressional input or authorization. 

This comes as the U.S. Congress is considering rewriting the war powers granted to the president after the September 11 attacks—what’s known as the AUMF, or Authorization for Use of Military Force.  Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican, and Democratic committee member Tim Kaine of Virginia introduced legislation to replace the AUMFs with a new one. 

Critics warn the proposed legislation would actually expand the authority of President Trump and all future presidents to engage in worldwide war without limitations.