Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rand Paul is taking action to return war powers to Congress and put an end to the American military presence in Syria. Dr. Paul will force the U.S. Senate to vote on his War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 51), which aims to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria within 30 days of its enactment. The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee and JD Vance.

Dr. Paul's motivation behind the resolution is clear - to protect American troops and prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East. He argues that keeping 900 U.S. troops in Syria does nothing to advance American security. Instead, it puts their lives at risk and makes them 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 Congress never authorizing the use of military force in the region. Recent attacks on these troops highlight their vulnerability to state and non-state actors. Since October 7th, there have been at least 76 attacks on U.S. military personnel in Syria and Iraq, resulting in 59 injuries.

Dr. Paul points out that there is no clear objective, definition of victory, exit strategy, or authorization from Congress for the U.S. military presence in Syria. He believes it is time to have a serious debate about the mission and whether it is achievable.

Support for Dr. Paul's Syria War Powers Resolution is widespread. Robert S. Ford, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, emphasizes the importance of debating the mission and removing troops if necessary. Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Pro-Diplomacy Advocacy Group at Just Foreign Policy, commends Dr. Paul for requiring his colleagues to cast a vote on these life and death matters. Jim Hanson, Executive Director of America Matters, believes that the U.S. military operations in Syria and Iraq are a flagrant abuse of the Constitutional separation of powers.

The Biden Administration's deployment of troops in Syria without specific congressional authorization or clear objectives raises concerns about constitutional checks and balances, according to George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute. Heather Brandon-Smith, Legislative Director for Militarism and Human Rights for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, supports Dr. Paul's resolution as a means to force Congress to take a vote and have a debate about the U.S. presence in Syria.

Dr. Rand Paul's War Powers Resolution is an opportunity for Congress to reassess the mission in Syria and make a decision on whether to continue the military presence. The resolution seeks to restore the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches and ensure that decisions regarding war and troop placement are made by Congress, as outlined in the Constitution.

As Dr. Paul takes to the Senate floor to speak about his resolution, the nation waits to see if Congress will reclaim its constitutional war powers and bring an end to the American military presence in Syria.

To learn more, click on 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/