Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is taking steps to bring the issue of war powers back to Congress and put an end to the American military presence in Syria. Today, Dr. Paul announced that he will force the U.S. Senate to vote on his War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 51), which directs 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 is currently co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and JD Vance (R-OH). His goal is to protect the lives of American troops and prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

"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. 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," said Dr. Paul.

The Biden Administration currently maintains 900 troops in Syria, despite never receiving authorization from Congress to use military force in the region. These troops have become vulnerable to attacks by state and non-state actors. Recent weeks have seen at least 76 attacks on U.S. military personnel in Syria and Iraq, resulting in injuries to 59 individuals.

Dr. Paul highlights that the mission outlined in Operation Inherent Resolve to degrade and destroy ISIS was achieved in 2019 when the ISIS caliphate was eradicated. However, four years later, 900 U.S. troops still remain in Syria without a clear objective, definition of victory, exit strategy, or authorization from Congress.

The support for Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution is widespread. Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Robert S. Ford, emphasized the need for a serious debate about the mission in Syria, stating, "Our troops should be removed. Consideration of S.J. Res. 51 is an important opportunity for the Senate to take a step towards that necessary outcome."

Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, expressed gratitude for Dr. Paul's efforts to bring these issues to a vote, stating, "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."

The deployment of U.S. troops in Syria without specific congressional authorization or clear objectives has raised concerns about constitutional checks and balances. George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute, emphasized the importance of supporting the resolution in order to uphold constitutional principles.

Dr. Rand Paul's War Powers Resolution is seen as an opportunity to force Congress to take a vote and engage in a necessary debate about the United States' involvement in Syria. By doing so, it aims to bring an end to the endless war and occupation of Syria and prioritize the safety and well-being of American troops.

The U.S. Senate vote on Dr. Paul's War Powers Resolution is expected to take place soon.

For additional details, please follow 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/