Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is set to force a vote in the U.S. Senate on his War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 51), which calls for the removal of all U.S. Armed Forces from Syria within 30 days. Dr. Paul's resolution aims to end the American military presence in Syria, citing the risks it poses to the lives of U.S. troops and the potential for further escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement, Dr. Paul emphasized the need to return war powers to Congress and cease the abdication of constitutional war powers to the executive branch. He argued that the presence of 900 U.S. troops in Syria does not advance American security but rather puts servicemembers at risk by providing an enticing target for Iranian-backed militias.

The resolution, currently co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and JD Vance (R-OH), highlights the lack of congressional authorization for the use of military force in Syria. Despite this, the Biden Administration has maintained 900 troops in the region. Recent attacks on these troops by state and non-state actors have further highlighted their vulnerability.

Dr. Paul's resolution builds on the Obama administration's initiation of U.S. military operations in Syria in 2014 without congressional authorization. While the mission to degrade and destroy ISIS was achieved in 2019, 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria without a clear objective, definition of victory, exit strategy, or congressional authorization for hostilities.

Support for Dr. Paul's Syria War Powers Resolution has been widespread. Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert S. Ford stated that a serious debate is owed to the soldiers serving in Syria, and if their mission is not achievable, troops should be removed. Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, emphasized the need for Congress to vote on matters that involve the life and death of troops. Jim Hanson, Executive Director of America Matters, expressed support for returning to the proper constitutional order in deciding military engagements. Other organizations, including Citizens for Renewing America and Frontiers of Freedom Institute, also voiced their support for the resolution.

Dr. Paul's resolution provides an opportunity for the Senate to debate the reasons for U.S. involvement in Syria and the threat posed by the groups being fought. It aims to force Congress to fulfill its duty and take a vote on the matter, which has been neglected for too long.

As the Senate prepares to vote on this critical piece of legislation, the importance of upholding constitutional principles and ensuring a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches cannot be overstated.

To find out more, go to 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/