Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is taking a stand to return war powers to Congress and put an end to the American military presence in Syria. Dr. Paul plans to force a U.S. Senate vote on his War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 51), which directs the president to withdraw all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria within 30 days of its enactment.

Dr. Paul's resolution is currently co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and JD Vance (R-OH). The senator argues that keeping 900 U.S. troops in Syria does not advance American security, but rather puts their lives at risk and could lead to further conflict in the Middle East. He emphasizes the need for Congress to exercise its constitutional war powers instead of leaving such decisions to the executive branch.

In a statement, Dr. Paul said, "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."

The senator is expected to speak on the Senate floor at around 11:00 a.m. ET to make his case for the War Powers Resolution. The full text of the resolution can be accessed on Dr. Paul's website.

The Biden Administration currently maintains 900 troops in Syria, despite Congress never authorizing the use of military force in the region. These troops have been targeted in attacks by state and non-state actors, resulting in injuries to U.S. military personnel. Dr. Paul points out that there is no clear objective, definition of victory, or exit strategy for the U.S. presence in Syria.

Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution has garnered support from various individuals and organizations. Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, 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 the Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, highlighted the importance of the Senate taking a vote on the resolution. He said, "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."

Other supporters, including Jim Hanson, Executive Director of America Matters, Wade Miller, Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America, and George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute, emphasize the need for Congress to fulfill its constitutional role in deciding on military engagements.

Dr. Rand Paul's War Powers Resolution aims to restore the balance between the executive and legislative branches of government when it comes to decisions of war. Heather Brandon-Smith, Legislative Director for Militarism and Human Rights for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, states that the resolution forces Congress to take a vote and engage in a debate about the U.S. presence in Syria.

Dr. Sumantra Maitra, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and Senior Editor of the American Conservative, suggests that the United States should narrow its priorities in the Middle East and focus only on free shipping, trade routes, and limited counter-terrorism missions when necessary.

In conclusion, Senator Rand Paul is determined to bring the issue of U.S. troop presence in Syria to a vote in the U.S. Senate. He argues that Congress must exercise its constitutional war powers and put an end to America's involvement in the region. The resolution has gained support from various individuals and organizations, all emphasizing the need for a serious debate and authorization of military missions.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-to-force-u-s-senate-vote-on-war-powers-resolution-concerning-u-s-troops-in-syria/