The President and Congressional Leaders Meet to Discuss ISIS
President Obama, Vice President Biden and Congressional leaders met yesterday to discuss action against the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL). The President told Congressional leaders that he has the authority he needs to take action against ISIL in accordance with the mission he will lay out in his address tonight. However, he said that he would “welcome action by the Congress that would aid the overall effort and demonstrate to the world that the United States is united in defeating the threat from ISIL.”
In the meeting, the four Congressional leaders — House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi — expressed their support for efforts “to degrade and ultimately destroy” ISIL. Specifically, Speaker Boehner expressed support for certain options that have been proposed by the President, such as increasing the effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces and training and equipping the Syrian opposition. (Read more.)
The President’s Address Tonight
This weekend, the President spoke about “taking some steps to order military strikes that have beat back ISIL.” Tonight, he will talk about the next phase and “protecting the core national security interests of the United States and protecting the American people,” according to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.
In addition to “building international support for the efforts that are underway by the Iraqis,” the President’s strategy will also include “supporting the Syrian opposition as they take the fight to ISIL in their country.” (The Press Secretary also referred to the President’s commencement address at West Point where he discussed assistance to the Syrian opposition.) He also plans to continue engaging members of the international community, including our allies in NATO in this effort. Already, the President has the support of nine countries (United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Turkey) who will join the fight against ISIS, according to the Defense Dept.
We’d like to spotlight recent bills related to military force against ISIS, as well as the War Powers Act. Weigh in on POPVOX.
Bills Addressing the Islamic State (ISIS and ISIL)
- 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 Congressman Wolf, “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.”
- SJRes 42
Resolution to authorize the use of the US Armed Forces against the Islamic State
According to the bill sponsor, “if you don’t stop ISIS, ISIS is going to take over that entire part of the world. … You’re going to have a major new player in the world that is bent on the destruction of anyone who dares look different, talks different, acts different and thinks different. … The world doesn’t need that kind of threat to its existence.”
- SJRes 43
Resolution to authorize the use of force against the Islamic State
According to the bill sponsor, “it is estimated that 12,000 foreign fighters have joined IS, including about 2,500 who hold Western passports, giving them easy access to Western countries and a likely avenue to commit acts of terrorism on American soil. In their minds, the brutal execution of two Americans is just the beginning of greater attacks on America. And we must treat it for what it is: a first act of war against the American people. It demands a response.” “With this resolution, the President, in coordination with allies and partners, will have clear authority to go after IS fighters, finances and their networks across the globe. IS operations are not confined by borders or timelines and neither should the U.S. effort to defeat them. IS is an evolving threat, and the President must have the flexibility needed to adjust as conditions on the ground change.”
- 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.”
- HRes 718
Calling on the Dept. of Defense to expedite the delivery of all necessary military equipmentto the Kurdish Peshmerga forces
— Bipartisan — “The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has committed acts of terrorism, crimes against humanity and continues to threaten the security and stability of the Middle East.” Would support Kurdish Peshmerga forces that have “fought bravely against ISIS to secure Iraqi Army bases that contained United States-made weapons and equipment and to protect critical infrastructure vulnerable to invasion by ISIS.”
- HR 5431
ISIS Isolate Act
To impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that engage in certain transactions with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. According to the bill sponsor, “ISIS is a unique terror organization in that it is able to self finance at an extremely high level – giving itself the resources and influence to expand its reign of hate and oppression. It’s reported that ISIS now controls tens of thousands of barrels of oil a day, netting the terror group nearly $2 million in sales through foreign markets. To halt ISIS’ growth, we must stop its ability to fund and finance – that’s what the Isolate ISIS Act does.”
- HR 5463
To suspend military assistance to countries that harbor persons that provide material or financial support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
“Reports of how and where ISIL jihadists are getting funding—from oil sales on the black market to independent financiers—make it both possible and vital to cut them off,” according to the bill sponsor. “Suspending military sales or direct aid gives these vulnerable countries a tangible reason on top of the principled reason for eliminating this menace to the world.”
- HCRes 114
Urging Congress to debate and vote on a statutory authorization for any sustained United States combat role in Iraq or Syria.
“Congress must weigh in when it comes to confronting ISIL through military action,” according to the bill co-sponsors. “The voices of the American people must be heard during a full and robust debate in Congress on the use of military force. Speaker Boehner should put legislation authorizing military action on the floor of the House of Representatives before Congress leaves for the upcoming district work period.”
The War Powers Resolution
The War Powers Resolution is again being debated as lawmakers debate President Obama’s proposed response to ISIS. Enacted in 1973, “the War Powers Resolution requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30 day withdrawal period, without an authorization of the use of military force or a declaration of war.”
Although President Obama has explained that his plan would not require approval from Congress, some Congressional leaders have expressed that the President should in fact seek their approval before engaging in an armed conflict with ISIS forces.
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) has proposed repealing the War Powers Resolution:
- HR 5416
The War Powers Consultation Act
(And S 1939 in the Senate) — Bipartisan — Would repeal the War Powers Resolution and provide for proper war powers consultation. “(1) The War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.) has not worked as intended, and has added to the divisiveness and uncertainty that exists regarding the war powers of the President and Congress. (2) The American people want both the President and Congress involved in the decisionmaking process when United States Armed Forces are committed to significant armed conflict, and the involvement of both branches is important in building domestic understanding and political support for doing so and ensuring the soundness of the resulting decision.” “This long-overdue reform of the War Powers Resolution would address structural issues that prevent more dialogue and consultation on military actions,” according to the bill sponsor. “It codifies the consultation process between the branches and would require the Congress to take an up-or-down vote on any military action taken by the president.”
Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn’t imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we’re simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.
