Military Authorization against the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) Last Wednesday, President Obama announced that he will ask Congress for new war power authorities against the Islamic State: I’m going to begin engaging Congress over a new Authorization to Use Military Force against ISIL. The world needs to know we are united behind this effort, and the men and women of our military deserve our clear and unified support.” His announcement came after months of debate on whether the President already had sufficient authority to fight the Islamic State as commander-in-chief. Some in Congress believe that the President should seek authorization for military action against ISIS, especially as the airstrikes continue. Congress did approve funding to train and arm moderate Syrian rebels in the fight against ISIS, which was a part of the Continuing Resolution (HJRes 124). House Speaker John Boehner believes Congress should debate authorizing military action against ISIS in Syria after the new Congress convenes in January, according to the New York Times. Proposals Regarding Military Action Before adjourning for recess, Members of Congress introduced several proposals authorizing military action. • Authorization for Use of Military Force against International Terrorism Act (HR 5415): —Bipartisan— Authorizing the use of military force against international terrorist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al Qaeda and its affiliates, like al Nusra, Ansar al Sharia, al Shabaab and Boko Haram, while encouraging close coordination with NATO and regional allies on any action. According to the bill sponsor, Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), the motive behind the bill is to end any ambiguity about the Presidents authority -- or the Congress support -- for a US-led international coalition to disrupt and eliminate ISIS and al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups from committing genocide. • Authorizing Military Force Against ISIL; Sunsetting After 18 Months (HJRes 125): According to the resolution’s sponsor: would give temporary, tailored authority for the combat ongoing against ISIL in Iraq, and for strikes against ISIL targets in Syria; and would harmonize the legal authorities under which the President is authorized to take offensive action by sunsetting the 2002 Iraq AUMF immediately and then sunsetting both the new authorities and the 2001 AUMF eighteen months after the enactment of the joint resolution. Does not authorize the use of ground combat forces in Iraq or Syria. • Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State; Sunsetting in One Year (SJRes 44): Authorizes the use of United States Armed Forces against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, with four key limitations, according to the resolution’s sponsor: 1) No US ground troops; 2) Repeal of the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force; 3) Sunset after one year; 4) Narrow definition of associated forces. • Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (HJRes 123): According to the bill sponsor, it’s past time for President Obama to define a course of action. The brutal murder of two American journalists was a shocking wake up call for the public, but the threat ISIL poses to America’s national interests has grown unchecked for some time. We need a strategic plan to stop the spread of their hateful ideology and violence. The defeat of ISIL must be a top priority – this resolution authorizes the use of force for a definite period and requires President Obama to develop and share his strategy with Congress and the American people.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:37:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015