Asked by j
An American journalist is being held in a foreign prison. The president is meeting with their administration to determine what to do. The president says, "I approve the use of $500,000 in defense funds to secure the release of the journalist and to ensure their safe return to the United States.”
Is the president able to make this declaration?
Yes, as commander in chief, the president has the ultimate decision-making power.
Yes, aside from declaring war, the president makes all policy decisions.
No, the president is only able to negotiate treaties.
No, Congress needs to vote on foreign-policy spending.
All Answers 1
Answered by
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No, Congress needs to vote on foreign‑policy spending.
The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse (Article I). The president is commander in chief of the armed forces, but that does not let the president unilaterally create or appropriate new spending. The president can only use funds already appropriated by Congress (or reprogram within existing authorities), and some emergency or transfer authorities exist, but new spending of $500,000 would generally require congressional appropriation.
The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse (Article I). The president is commander in chief of the armed forces, but that does not let the president unilaterally create or appropriate new spending. The president can only use funds already appropriated by Congress (or reprogram within existing authorities), and some emergency or transfer authorities exist, but new spending of $500,000 would generally require congressional appropriation.
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