@PeteS in CA Isn't there a more recent statute the Pentagon said it was following concerning imminent terrorist attacks? I think it's a 9/11 era law...
As for the AUMF, it's ridiculous to bray that law requires prior consultation with Congress. No, giving a President a window for striking was the entire purpose of that law. Consulting must occur within that window after the action. Pelosi is counting on an audience of morons, and I think she cynically knows that.
The bottom line is that with notification of Congress, OPerational SECurity goes out the window. Likely a matter of minutes, at most a couple of hours before the target is notified. Yes, America, the perfidy is that deep on The Hill. I'm not sure I'd trust some of the other agencies, either.
Frankly, that's why, after getting a blanket 'if you can, get him' order for Usama Bin Laden, I think that Obama and crew were finally told about the operation after the fact, the deed done before they could either call it off or compromise it.
At that point, all they (Obama & Co.) could do was take credit and stage photos. They sure didn't seem happy about it.
