What was the multifaceted response of Congress to President Polk’s war message, specifically during the tumultuous period of 1846 when the tensions surrounding the Mexican-American War reached a boiling point? Considering the intricacies of political sentiment at the time, how did various factions within Congress—such as the Whigs and Democrats—react to Polk’s call for military action? Were there notable discourses and debates that illuminated the contrasting ideologies regarding expansionism and the ramifications of such a conflict? Furthermore, did any prominent legislators articulate dissenting views or articulate fears regarding the war’s implications for national integrity and civil liberties? It is essential to examine both the immediate reactions and the underlying currents of thought that shaped legislative responses. Were there any significant resolutions or bills introduced in response to the war message, and how did these proposals reflect the complexities of public opinion and political maneuvering during this critical juncture in American history?