Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is making a push to return war powers to Congress and end the American military presence in Syria. In his War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 51), Dr. Paul directs the president to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in and affecting Syria within 30 days of its enactment. The resolution is currently co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and JD Vance (R-OH).

Dr. Paul argues that keeping 900 U.S. troops in Syria does not advance American security and puts servicemembers at risk. He believes that the continued presence of troops risks dragging the United States into another regional war without the proper authorization from Congress. Dr. Paul emphasizes the need for Congress to exercise its constitutional war powers and not abdicate them to the executive branch.

The Biden Administration currently has 900 troops stationed in Syria, despite Congress never authorizing the use of military force in the country. These troops have been targeted in attacks by state and non-state actors, resulting in injuries to U.S. military personnel. The lack of a clear objective, definition of victory, exit strategy, and congressional authorization has raised concerns about the ongoing military presence in Syria.

There is broad support for Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution. Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Robert S. Ford, emphasizes the importance of a serious debate about the mission in Syria and the need for an authorization from Congress. Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, applauds Dr. Paul for requiring his colleagues to vote on these life-and-death matters for troops. Jim Hanson, Executive Director of America Matters, highlights the abuse of constitutional separation of powers and supports the effort to return to the proper order. Wade Miller, Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America, believes it is time for U.S. troops to come home from Syria, five years after the destruction of ISIS's territorial caliphate. George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute, stresses the need to restore the balance of power between the Executive and Congress. Heather Brandon-Smith, Legislative Director for Militarism and Human Rights for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, calls for a debate on the U.S. presence in Syria and believes that Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution forces Congress to take a vote. Dr. Sumantra Maitra, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America, supports a narrower focus on free shipping and trade routes and limited counter-terrorism missions in the region.

Dr. Paul's efforts to bring the War Powers Resolution to a vote in the U.S. Senate are aimed at addressing concerns about the ongoing military presence in Syria without congressional authorization. He believes that the debate and authorization of such a mission are necessary before risking the well-being of U.S. troops. The vote on the resolution is an opportunity for the Senate to take a step towards ending the endless war and occupation of Syria.

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution in the near future, bringing attention to the need for a congressional decision on the military presence in Syria.

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