Bowling Green Today

Republican Senator Rand Paul has forced a Senate vote on a war powers resolution concerning the situation in Niger. The resolution calls for the removal of all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Niger within 30 days of its enactment. This move comes amidst a military coup in Niger and raises concerns about the involvement of U.S. troops in another foreign conflict.

Dr. Paul's resolution received support from a bipartisan group of 11 senators. However, 86 Senate Republicans and Democrats voted against the removal of U.S. troops in Niger. It is worth noting that Congress never voted to send troops to Niger in the first place, as Dr. Paul highlighted in his floor remarks.

In his remarks, Dr. Paul emphasized the misuse of the September 11th, 2001 authorization to justify military interventions in multiple countries. He stated, "Presidents of both parties have used the September 11th, 2001, authorization to justify wars in dozens of countries, from Afghanistan, to Libya, to Syria, to Somalia, to Yemen."

The impetus for this war powers resolution is the July 26th coup in Niger, where members of the presidential guard, including some officers trained by the United States, removed the democratically-elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, from power. Dr. Paul pointed out that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared its intention to intervene militarily if President Bazoum is not restored to power. He also highlighted the increased threat of attack, with Niger's new leaders putting its military on maximum alert.

Dr. Paul expressed concern about the risks faced by American forces in Niger, stating, "American forces face a very real risk of being caught in the crossfire of a regional African war." He questioned the purpose of U.S. military presence in Niger, given that Congress never authorized the use of military force there.

"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 emphasized. He called for a debate in Congress and urged his fellow senators to vote in favor of the resolution, stating, "A yes vote on this resolution gives each of us an opportunity to go on the record and tell our constituents that we will no longer stand idly by as the President sends their sons and daughters into harm's way, to fight wars with no clear objective, with no definition of victory, with no exit strategy, and with no constitutional authorization."

Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution has received support from various organizations, including the Friends Committee on National Legislation and Concerned Veterans for America. The resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee and Roger Marshall.

This is not the first time Dr. Paul has fought to restore and keep war powers in Congress. He previously introduced an amendment to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), but it was not successful.

In his ongoing efforts, Dr. Paul sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding answers regarding U.S. troops deployed in Niger. The U.S. military has been present in Niger for about a decade, providing training, guidance, and assistance to Nigerian forces. However, one of the individuals involved in the recent coup had received training from the U.S.

Dr. Paul's determination to address the constitutional war powers of Congress is rooted in his belief that decisions to commit American troops to fight wars should not be taken lightly. He continues to advocate for a proper debate and authorization before sending servicemembers into harm's way.

The Senate vote on the Niger War Powers Resolution reflects the divided opinions within Congress regarding U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts. The resolution's failure to pass means that U.S. troops will remain in Niger amidst the ongoing political turmoil.

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