True. But what if his decision is to not issue the nuclear release right away?
My point wasn't that he hasn't the authority only that he must use that authority immediately before our domestic enemy can involve themselves.
I think prudence, and procedure, demands that he strike right away.
As I understand it...it's a systemic response, that upon a nuclear event against the U.S. the POTUS makes a decision quickly based not only on retaliating against the aggressor, but averting the very relevant point you make.
His reaction, if nuclear, shouldn't be put up for debate in the house and senate. To do so, would compromise his status as CINC. And then we'd be paralyzed by running a war by committee. (I know seems like that happens now)
However, nuclear attacks are quite different. Many speculate what, besides launch codes, are in the football. I bet there's a nuclear response card key for just about every conceivable situation. That's a guess though.
Gut tells me, Bush hit's them with a nuke...and debates the libs about it later. He'll have fifty-years of pre-established SOP to debate them with.