Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Resolution to Withdraw U.S. Troops Guarding Oil Fields From Syria

Statement

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.Con.Res.77 which would require the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria who are currently based there, without Constitutionally-required Congressional authorization, at President Trump's directive to secure Syrian oil fields.

"Our troops put their lives on the line to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and ensure the safety and security of the American people. President Trump's deployment of US troops to secure Syrian oil fields that do not belong to us, with talks of welcoming in private oil corporations to take the oil, is unconstitutional and a violation of International Law. Syria's natural resources belong to the Syrian people," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. "Congress must fulfill its Constitutional mandate and vote for this resolution to bring our troops home from Syria."

The resolution is supported by Demand Progress and Just Foreign Policy.

"Congress has not authorized troops to "secure oil' in Syria or to participate in hostilities against the governments of Russia, Iran, or Syria," said Erik Sperling, Executive Director of the non-profit organization Just Foreign Policy. "Under Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the President cannot deploy troops into hostilities without prior Congressional authorization. I commend Rep. Gabbard for introducing this resolution which will compel all members of the House to vote yes or no on endless war in front of their constituents."

Background: Earlier this month, President Trump announced the removal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, transferring them to other locations within Syria or Iraq. The move provided the opening for Turkey to invade Syria and commence ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds who have been trusted partners in the battle to defeat ISIS.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a Congressional leader in opposing unauthorized Presidential wars, and introduced H.Res.411 earlier this year -- on which she worked with the late former Rep. Walter Jones in the 115th Congress. She called on the Administration to end its armed support of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's Civil War, highlighted the catastrophic impact it has had on Yemen's civilian population, and led bipartisan efforts to oppose U.S. involvement in the conflict.

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