Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has announced his intention to force a Senate vote on his War Powers Resolution concerning U.S. troops stationed in Niger amidst a military coup. The resolution, known as S.J.Res.44, directs the President to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Niger within 30 days of its enactment. Dr. Paul's aim is to reclaim war powers for Congress and address the deteriorating political situation in Niger, which poses an increased risk to U.S. troops.

In a statement, Dr. Paul emphasized the importance of Congress taking back its constitutional war powers from the executive branch. He called for a debate on whether America's national interest in Niger justifies the sacrifice of young men and women in combat. Dr. Paul stated, "Congress must cease abdicating its constitutional war powers to the executive branch."

The presence of U.S. troops in Niger without proper congressional authorization has been a matter of concern since at least 2013. Tragically, four U.S. servicemembers lost their lives in 2017 during an ambush while on a mission near the village of Tongo Tongo. Despite the lack of congressional authorization, the Biden Administration cites the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) as justification for the presence of approximately 1,016 U.S. troops in Niger.

Various organizations and experts have expressed support for Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution. Heather Brandon-Smith, Deputy Director for Foreign Policy at Friends Committee on National Legislation, applauded the resolution as a critical step toward a more sustainable and rights-respecting approach to counterterrorism and 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 U.S. intervention in Niger and praised Senator Paul's resolution for removing American troops from the region.

Elizabeth Beavers, Vice President for Public Affairs at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, highlighted the urgency of debating the commitment of U.S. forces to Niger amidst the deepening conflict and chaos in the region. Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Just Foreign Policy, criticized the unauthorized U.S. involvement in Niger and called for scrutiny of the situation, particularly in light of the administration's attempts to sidestep U.S. pro-democracy laws. Tucker Kass, Outreach Manager and Non-Resident Fellow Program Manager at Defense Priorities Initiative, expressed support for any efforts by Congress to reclaim its constitutional prerogatives over the use of force in Niger and elsewhere.

Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution is seen by many as an attempt to restore a constitutional government and ensure that decisions regarding the deployment of U.S. troops are made by Congress, as mandated by the Constitution. George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom, emphasized the need for either congressional authorization or the recall of troops, stating, "The decision to go to war is Congress's sole responsibility."

Dr. Paul's efforts to return and keep war powers in Congress align with his consistent advocacy for constitutional principles. He has previously fought to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force and has been a vocal proponent of congressional oversight and approval for military actions.

As the Senate prepares for the vote on Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution, the attention is focused on the need for Congress to assert its constitutional role and provide clarity on the presence of U.S. troops in Niger.

For additional details, please follow 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/