Congress Has the Sole Authority to Authorize Military Involvements

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, the American people are fed up with the United States being involved in endless military conflicts around the world.

For far too long, Presidents of both parties have overstepped their constitutional authority by engaging in dubious legal gymnastics to continue involving U.S. troops in endless wars and conflicts without congressional authorization.

Article I of the Constitution is clear. Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvements in overseas conflict. Once authorized by Congress, Article II of the Constitution allows the President to direct the military as Commander in Chief.

Congress must reassert its sole authority and not allow the executive branch to sidestep us.

As the largest and most diverse group in the Federal Government responsible for representing the American people and their interests, Congress should engage in debate before the executive branch can involve U.S. troops in wars overseas.

Tens of thousands of U.S. troops have been put in harm's way and trillions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on overseas military ventures around the world without proper debate or oversight from Congress.

Enough is enough. That is why I support the Syria War Powers Resolution that the House voted on earlier this week.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source