Sen. Tim Kaine has become indispensable

Foreign policy and national security define the federal government’s ultimate obligations. Democrat Tim Kaine seems intent on establishing himself as an indispensable senator. Last week, he assailed his colleagues for not asserting congressional prerogatives regarding the waging of war against the Islamist State. His remark came as the Senate was approving legislation allowing Congress to review a nuclear deal with Iran. He conceded that the Senate had focused on Iran during recent weeks but noted that the U.S. has been combating ISIS for nine months. American troops have died during the intervention; ISIS has killed American hostages. The Islamist threat persists. In addition to addressing the specific ISIS threat, Kaine has embraced a review of congressional war powers more generally. The president serves as commander in chief; Congress declares war. Congressional resolutions authorizing the use of force bind the nation. They signal unity and resolution. Debates regarding war powers also have the potential to restrain presidents beguiled by misguided military endeavors. The Times-Dispatch applauds Kaine’s leadership.

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