Bowling Green Today

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) made a significant move in his ongoing efforts to bring war powers back to Congress and end the American military presence in Syria. Dr. Paul forced the U.S. Senate to vote on his War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 51), which directed the president to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in and affecting Syria within 30 days of its enactment. The resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and JD Vance (R-OH).

Dr. Paul emphasized the need to prioritize American security and protect the lives of U.S. servicemembers. He stated, "Keeping 900 U.S. troops in Syria does nothing to advance American security. Rather, our intervention puts those servicemembers at grave risk by providing an enticing target for Iranian-backed militias." He also expressed concern about the potential for the United States to be dragged into another regional war in the Middle East without proper debate or authorization from Congress.

A bipartisan group of 13 Senators supported Dr. Paul's resolution, demonstrating a growing consensus on the need to reevaluate the U.S. military presence in Syria. The resolution comes in response to the Biden Administration's decision to maintain 900 troops in Syria, despite the lack of congressional authorization for the use of military force in the region.

The ongoing presence of U.S. troops in Syria has made them vulnerable to attacks from state and non-state actors. Recent weeks have seen a significant increase in attacks, with our troops being targeted at least 76 times since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7th. These attacks have resulted in injuries to 59 U.S. military personnel, including traumatic brain injuries.

It is important to note that the initial deployment of U.S. troops to Syria in 2014 was initiated by the Obama administration without congressional authorization. Since then, the mission has evolved without clear objectives, victory definitions, exit strategies, or congressional approval. Despite the successful eradication of the ISIS caliphate in 2019, 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria, raising questions about the purpose and necessity of their continued presence.

Several prominent voices have expressed support for Dr. Paul's Syria War Powers Resolution. Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Robert S. Ford, emphasized the need for a serious debate about the mission and the importance of congressional authorization. Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, highlighted the necessity of ending the endless war and occupation in Syria. Jim Hanson, Executive Director of America Matters, called the current situation a flagrant abuse of the Constitutional separation of powers.

Wade Miller, Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America, stated that it is a national disgrace to leave our troops in Syria without clear objectives or congressional authorization. George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute, stressed the need to restore the balance of power between the Executive branch and Congress. Heather Brandon-Smith, Legislative Director for Militarism and Human Rights for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, emphasized the importance of forcing Congress to take a vote on the matter.

Dr. Sumantra Maitra, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and Senior Editor of the American Conservative, argued that the U.S. should narrow its priorities and focus on essential interests, such as free shipping and trade routes, rather than engaging in prolonged interventions in the Middle East.

Dr. Rand Paul's War Powers Resolution has sparked an important conversation about the U.S. military presence in Syria and the role of Congress in authorizing military actions. As the Senate continues to deliberate on this matter, it is crucial to consider the safety and well-being of our servicemembers, the constitutional principles at stake, and the potential ramifications of prolonged engagement in the region.

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