Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has forced a vote in the Senate on his resolution (S.J.Res.44) to direct the President to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Niger within 30 days. This comes amidst a military coup in Niger and concerns over the increased risk to U.S. troops in the region.

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, further involving America in another foreign conflict.

In his prepared floor remarks, Dr. Paul highlighted the lack of Congressional authorization for the deployment of troops to Niger. He emphasized that presidents from both parties have used the 2001 authorization to justify military actions in multiple countries.

The impetus for the war powers resolution is the July 26th coup in Niger, where members of the presidential guard, some of whom were trained by the United States, removed the democratically-elected President from power. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared its intention to intervene militarily if President Bazoum is not restored to power.

Dr. Paul expressed concerns about the escalating situation in the Sahel region. He pointed out that Mali and Burkina Faso, countries that have experienced their own armed coups, have signed a mutual defense pact with Niger and stated they would fight on behalf of the new military junta if ECOWAS invades.

The Senator highlighted the risks faced by American forces in Niger, stating that they could be caught in the crossfire of a regional African war. He questioned the purpose of U.S. military presence in Niger, as Congress never voted to send troops there or authorized the use of military force. He noted that U.S. forces in Niger have engaged in firefights with hostile groups, resulting in the loss of American lives.

Dr. Paul called for a debate in Congress on the vital importance of America's interest in Niger. He emphasized the need to define clear objectives, victory, and exit strategies, as well as to obtain constitutional authorization for military action.

The War Powers Resolution introduced by Dr. Paul has received support from various organizations such as the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Heritage Action for America, and the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

Dr. Paul's efforts to restore and keep war powers in Congress align with his consistent advocacy for constitutional principles. In March, the Senate repealed the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs). Dr. Paul also introduced an amendment to repeal the 2001 AUMF.

The Senator's actions aim to ensure that the responsibility of committing America's military to fight wars is taken seriously and debated in Congress. He seeks to protect the lives of servicemembers and ensure that military actions have a clear purpose and constitutional authorization.

For more information on the Niger War Powers Resolution and Dr. Paul's efforts, visit his official website.

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To find out more, go to this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-forces-senate-vote-on-niger-war-powers-resolution/