Banks Calls on Congress to Debate his AUMF Legislation Following Military Strikes in Syria

Statement

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today said that President Trump's decision to authorize military strikes against Syria highlights why Congress should debate legislation he introduced that would create a new authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS):

"President Trump has sent a clear message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable and has consequences. At this critical moment, it is vital that the United States has a comprehensive strategy that addresses the situation in Syria. Part of this strategy should include Congress passing a new AUMF. The Constitution grants Congress the power of declaring war, and we need to take that obligation seriously. Debating and passing the AUMF legislation Senator Young and I have introduced is the best way for Congress to work with the Administration and support our Armed Forces."

The Banks AUMF bill is identical to legislation introduced by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) last month.

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