House Narrowly Defeats Rep. Schiff Amendment Forcing Vote on ISIS War Authorization

Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives narrowly rejected an amendment to the annual Defense Appropriations bill by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) by a vote of 196-231, despite bipartisan support.

Schiff's amendment would have required Congress to debate and vote on a new authorization for use of military force (AUMF) by March 31st, 2016. The amendment would accomplish this by prohibiting funds in the defense appropriations bill from being used for Operation Inherent Resolve -- which is currently targeting ISIS through airstrikes in Iraq and Syria -- unless Congress passes a new AUMF that authorizes the ongoing military action.

"Ten months into an undeclared war against ISIS, Congress yet again dodged its responsibility to authorize the use of force," said Schiff. "While our pilots and special forces risk it all, Congress refuses to do its job. Congressional abdication of our responsibility to declare war, or to deny authorization for war, sets a terrible precedent and shifts war-making powers substantially and inexorably towards the Executive. While this is another setback for a Congress long derelict in its duty, I will keep pushing for a debate and vote on a new AUMF."

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