Bowling Green Today

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

"Keeping 900 U.S. troops in Syria does nothing to advance American security," said Dr. Paul. "Our intervention puts those servicemembers at grave risk by providing an enticing target for Iranian-backed militias. Our continued presence risks the United States getting dragged into yet another regional war in the Middle East without debate or a vote by the people's representatives in Congress. Congress must cease abdicating its constitutional war powers to the executive branch."

A bipartisan group of 13 Senators voted for Dr. Paul's resolution. The resolution received wide support from various organizations and experts who believe that the U.S. military presence in Syria is unnecessary and lacks clear objectives.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria and Political Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, Robert S. Ford, stated, "We owe our soldiers serving there in harm's way a serious debate about whether their mission is, in fact, achievable. Absent a debate and authorization of such a mission, our troops should be removed."

Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, emphasized the importance of a vote on the resolution, saying, "While this is the first vote on Syria in the Senate, it is the fourth vote in Congress in just over two years, and pressure will only continue to grow until this endless war is brought to a close."

Jim Hanson, Executive Director of America Matters, criticized the abuse of constitutional separation of powers and supported Dr. Paul's effort to restore the proper order.

The Biden Administration maintains 900 troops in Syria, despite Congress never authorizing the use of military force in the country. The troops have been vulnerable to attacks by state and non-state actors, with 76 attacks occurring since October 7, 2023. The Pentagon reported that 59 U.S. military personnel were injured in these attacks.

The U.S. military operations in Syria were initiated by the Obama administration in September 2014 without congressional authorization. Although the mission to degrade and destroy ISIS was achieved in 2019, 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria with no clear objective, definition of victory, exit strategy, or authorization from Congress.

The debate surrounding the U.S. military presence in Syria continues, with experts and organizations urging Congress to take action. The Syria War Powers Resolution proposed by Dr. Rand Paul aims to restore the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress and prevent an unchecked concentration of power.

As the Senate vote on the resolution takes place, the outcome will determine the future of U.S. troops in Syria and the extent of Congress's role in authorizing military action.

To find out more, go to 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/