Bowling Green Today

Republican Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky has forced the U.S. Senate to vote on a resolution directing the President to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Niger within 30 days of its enactment. The resolution was supported by a bipartisan group of 11 senators. However, 86 Senate Republicans and Democrats voted against the removal of U.S. troops in Niger amidst a military coup. This decision further involves America in another foreign conflict.

Dr. Paul emphasized that Congress never voted to send troops to Niger in the first place. He criticized the use of the September 11th, 2001 authorization by Presidents from both parties to justify wars in multiple countries. Niger is one of the over 20 countries where the United States conducts military operations under the pretext of the 9/11 authorization of military force.

The impetus for this war powers resolution is the July 26th coup in Niger, where members of Niger's presidential guard, including some officers who were trained by the United States, removed the democratically-elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, from power. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared its intention to intervene militarily if President Bazoum is not restored to power. In response, Mali and Burkina Faso, two countries that have experienced their own armed coups in recent years, signed a mutual defense pact with Niger and stated they will fight on behalf of the new military junta if ECOWAS invades.

Niger's new leaders have put its military on maximum alert, citing an increased threat of attack. The Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions, instituted a no-fly zone, and closed border crossings. Recent reports indicate that Nigerien troops have been deployed along the border with Benin. With the current political situation, American forces in Niger face a very real risk of being caught in the crossfire of a regional African war.

Dr. Paul questioned the U.S. military presence in Niger, stating that Congress never voted to send troops there and never authorized the use of military force. Despite this, U.S. forces in Niger have engaged in firefights with hostile groups, resulting in the loss of American lives.

"To commit America’s military to fight wars on behalf of the nation is the most consequential and humbling responsibility that Congress is entrusted with," Dr. Paul said. He called for a debate in Congress to discuss the importance of America's involvement in Niger and to define clear objectives, victory, and an exit strategy. Dr. Paul believes that a yes vote on this resolution would show a commitment to protect the lives of servicemembers and to uphold the constitutional authority of Congress in matters of war.

Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution received support from various organizations such as the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Heritage Action for America, and the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee and Roger Marshall.

Dr. Paul has consistently fought to return and keep war powers in Congress as intended by the Founding Fathers. In March, the Senate repealed the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs). Dr. Paul introduced an amendment to the effort that would have additionally repealed the 2001 AUMF, but it was not successful.

This resolution brings attention to the need for Congress to have a say in matters of war and to ensure that the lives of American servicemembers are not put at risk without thorough debate and clear objectives.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-forces-senate-vote-on-niger-war-powers-resolution/