It happens like clockwork, almost every year.

The president of the United States authorizes a military strike on some target in the Middle East, perhaps a Syrian government barracks or a Shiite militia position in Iraq. In short order, a sizable chunk of the U.S. Congress rises up in righteous indignation about the commander in chief bypassing the legislative branch in the process. Tersely worded press statements are issued, and a few bills may be filed in response. But in the end, the bills either die on the floor or get passed over by the leadership. A few months go by, and the cycle repeats itself.