10/23/14: US fighters and drone aircraft continue to strike targets tied to the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS or ISIL) as part of the President's "comprehensive strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL." As President Obama explained, there are some 60 nations contributing to this coalition effort.
"This is an operation that involves the world against ISIL."
UPDATE: Supporting Kurdish Forces
On Oct. 21, the Pentagon announced that Kurdish forces now are in control of the majority of the Syrian city of Kobani despite efforts by ISIS to take the town. Coalition airstrikes in and around the city on Syria’s border with Turkey have been "augmented by an airdrop of arms to Kurdish forces fighting the terror group. Air Force planes dropped 27 of 28 pallets to Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Kobani," according to the Pentagon Press Secretary.
Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released a statement supporting the Administration's decision to resupply Kurdish forces in Kobani with arms, ammunition, and other supplies, but criticizing its strategy against ISIS:
“This tactical adjustment should not be confused for an effective strategy, which is still lacking. As US efforts increase to help secure Kobani, ISIS continues advancing in Anbar province as well as on Baghdad and other strategically significant cities. We continue to urge the Administration to quickly adopt a comprehensive strategy and avoid the perils of gradual escalation – in Kobani and in the broader fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This will only lead to an unnecessary loss of life and reduce our chances of success, as we have learned in other conflicts."
Background on Congressional Authorization and the Constitution
President Barack Obama laid out his strategy to the American people and to the United Nations — but the debate in Congress on whether he needs Congressional authorization for this mission against ISIS continues. The Constitution separates the power to declare war (Legislative Branch) from the power to conduct war (Executive Branch). In other words, Congress decides whether to fight, and the President, as Commander-in-Chief, manages the fight authorized by Congress.
In the last century, Congress has authorized major military actions, including World War I and II, the Gulf War, the response to the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraq War. The 2001 authorization for the use of military force is the longest continuously used congressional use of force authorization.
Congress's Response to the President
The Obama Administration is using the 2001 authorization and the 2002 Iraq War authorization as approval for the military campaign against ISIS. However, 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).
Speaker of the House 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.
Meanwhile, Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) are urging Speaker Boehner to bring Congress back to session for a debate and vote on the issue:
"Speaker Boehner should recognize the gravity of this situation and call members of Congress back to Washington to vote on ongoing military actions in Iraq and Syria. Congress needs to fulfill its constitutional duties by having a robust debate and a vote on Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) that is tailored to these specific actions. Military authorizations from a decade ago should not justify war policy today. Americans are wary of any expanded military campaigns and their voices should be heard through their elected representatives."
Proposals Pending in Congress Regarding Military Action
Before adjourning for recess, Members of Congress introduced several proposals authorizing military action:
- HR 5415
Authorization for Use of Military Force against International Terrorism Act
—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 President's 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."
- HJRes 125
Authorizing Military Force Against ISIL; Sunsetting After 18 Months
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.
- SJRes 44
Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State; Sunsetting in One Year
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."
- HJRes 123
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
—Bipartisan— 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."
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