Congress decreasing in Power

I read an editorial last week that discussed the decreasing powers of Congress. Since the topic of withdrawl of troops has become popular, the question of whether Democrats are trying to revive Congress’ power is becoming evident. The democratic majority lacks the political power to compel President Bush to bring troops home, but has power to cut finances for the war. Unless the antiwar forces in the Senate can gain sixty votes, according to last Friday was twelve votes short, the Bush presidency will drag on the war.
The Democrats main argument is the fact that the executive branch is becoming stronger and the powers of Congress are decreasing. Congress hasn’t “ declared a war since 1941 and hasn’t gone to mat with the president over any war since Vietnam”. After World War II president have ignored the War Powers Act of 1973 which in plain terms spells out Congress and their influences. Before Americans favored this style of government, especially during the Atomic Age when consulting the congress over nuclear weapons was inconvenient. Most preferred to have a president in charge of national security.
This article brought the controversy of America’s transition of Congressional Powers after September 11th and the War in Iraq. In the atomic era, having a strong executive branch was necessary, but not it seems limiting and not a fair representation of the rest of the government. I agree, that Congress made a correct maneuver to put their opinion head first about the war in Iraq. Without congress, the president has no need to negotiate or compromise his decisions. Congress brings both opinions and views to government not just the president representing one. Is congress really becoming the background of our government? Are their opinions or the system of checks and balances effective on congress in this situation?