Rep. Schiff Introduces Authorization for Use of Military Force Against ISIL, Sunsetting After 18 Months

Statement

Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a senior Member of the House Intelligence Committee, introduced an authorization for use of military force against ISIL, meeting Congress' constitutional imperative in declaring war. First, the authorization would give temporary, tailored authority for the combat ongoing against ISIL in Iraq, and for strikes against ISIL targets in Syria. And second, the measure would harmonize the legal authorities under which the President is authorized to take offensive action by sunsetting the 2002 Iraq AUMF immediately and then sunsetting both the new authorities and the 2001 AUMF eighteen months after the enactment of the joint resolution. Third, the resolution does not authorize the use of ground combat forces in Iraq or Syria.

"ISIL represents a serious danger to the United States -- its savage, well-armed legions have taken over a large swath of northern Syria and Iraq, and its hundreds of foreign fighters pose a long-term threat to us and to our allies," said Rep. Schiff. "The President has announced an offensive against ISIL that amounts to war, but Congress alone has the authority to do so within the Constitution. Congress need not wait for to be asked to approve such an authorization; it is our Constitutional obligation to approve or reject the use of force, and we must not adjourn without a vote.

"Accordingly, and in keeping with Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, I am introducing a joint resolution authorizing the use of force against ISIL, while repealing the outdated 2002 AUMF and sunsetting the 2001 AUMF which badly needs updating 13 years after its passage. I urge swift Congressional action so that the President and our Armed Forces may know that the Congress stands behind them -- and that we, too, have done our duty."

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