Today, Congressman André Carson released the following statement on the President’s proposal for a new Authorization for Use of Military Force:
“Today, President Obama sent a proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) to Congress. After a decade of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, America is war torn. Combating ISIL is critical to our national security but it must be done within defined limits. While the President’s proposal will certainly elicit wide ranging opinions in the coming weeks, I look forward to this important debate. Whether it is this version or one proposed by Congress, I hope that we can enact an AUMF in the near future before further committing our men and women in uniform to combat.”
The President’s plan includes:
– A three year sunset. This would ensure no further authorization is necessary during the Obama presidency or during the first year of the next presidency.
– A repeal of the 2002 AUMF that authorized the Iraq war.
– Restrictions against “enduring offensive ground combat operations”.
– Provides no geographic limitation. This means if ISIL expands into Jordan, Lebanon, etc. operations would be authorized.
