Bowling Green Today

Dr. Rand Paul, a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, is taking action to address the deteriorating political situation in Niger and the increased risk to U.S. troops stationed there. He plans to force the U.S. Senate to vote on his War Powers Resolution, which directs the President to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Niger within 30 days of its enactment.

In a statement, Dr. Paul emphasized the need for Congress to reclaim its constitutional war powers and to debate the importance of America's national interest in Niger. He stated, "We must be courageous enough to debate if America's national interest in Niger is of such vital importance that we ask our young men and women to fight and potentially pay the ultimate sacrifice for it."

The presence of U.S. troops in Niger without proper congressional authorization has been a cause for concern since at least 2013. Tragically, four U.S. servicemembers lost their lives in 2017 during an ambush near the village of Tongo Tongo. Despite the lack of congressional authorization, the Biden Administration continues to cite the 9/11 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to justify the presence of U.S. troops in Niger.

Numerous organizations and experts have expressed support for Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution. Heather Brandon-Smith, Deputy Director for Foreign Policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, applauded the resolution, stating, "Senator Paul's resolution is a critical step to help set the United States on this long-overdue path" towards a more sustainable and rights-respecting approach to national security.

Dr. Sumantra Maitra, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and Senior Editor of the American Conservative, emphasized that there is no warrant for American intervention or troop presence in Niger. He stated, "The core American interest for a direct intervention or troop presence is, therefore, nil."

Elizabeth Beavers, Vice President for Public Affairs at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, highlighted the urgency of the situation and the need for Congress to debate and decide on the commitment of U.S. forces in Niger. She stated, "Sen. Paul's leadership in calling the question is critical at this moment."

The unauthorized involvement of the U.S. in Niger and the use of the 2001 AUMF as justification have drawn criticism from Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Just Foreign Policy. Sperling stated, "Senator Paul is right to lead his colleagues in a debate and vote on this blatant violation of Congress's war powers."

Tucker Kass, Outreach Manager and Non-Resident Fellow Program Manager at Defense Priorities Initiative, expressed support for efforts by Congress to reclaim its constitutional prerogatives over the use of force in Niger and elsewhere.

In addition to the organizations mentioned above, Heritage Action for America also supports Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution.

Dr. Paul's push for the Senate vote comes after he sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, demanding answers regarding U.S. troops deployed in Niger. The presence of U.S. military forces in Niger, aimed at providing training and assistance to Nigerian forces, has become even more complicated since the coup that overthrew the democratically elected government in July 2023.

Since its passage, the 2001 AUMF has been used by administrations of both parties to justify acts of war in over 20 countries. Dr. Paul has consistently fought to return and keep war powers in Congress, as intended by the Founding Fathers. While the Senate recently repealed the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs, Dr. Paul's amendment to repeal the 2001 AUMF was not successful.

Dr. Paul's efforts to address the presence of U.S. troops in Niger without proper authorization and to restore Congress's role in deciding on the use of force are gaining attention and support. The Senate vote on his War Powers Resolution will be a critical step in determining the future of U.S. involvement in Niger.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-to-force-senate-vote-on-war-powers-resolution-concerning-u-s-troops-stationed-in-niger-amidst-military-coup/