Reps. Schiff and Cole, Along With 28 Members, Send Bipartisan Letter Urging Debate and Vote on ISIS War

Press Release

Today, Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tom Cole (R-OK) sent a letter along with 28 bipartisan Members of Congress to Speaker John Boehner urging that an authorization for use of military force, or AUMF, be brought up for debate and vote in the relevant committees and on the House Floor.

"I find it deeply ironic that Congress has been so willing to wade into a diplomatic agreement with Iran that is not yet finalized, but not take up its constitutionally-mandated responsibility to declare and authorize war against ISIS," said Rep. Adam Schiff."More than eight months into the war in Syria and Iraq, Congress continues to sit on the sidelines without a debate or vote. Congressional abdication of our responsibility to declare war, or to deny authorization for war, would set a terrible precedent and shift war-making powers substantially, and inexorably towards the Executive."

"Clearly, the president underestimated the threat ISIL could pose to our partners abroad, particularly in the Middle East, as well as to the United States," said Rep. Tom Cole. "Even though I wish it would have come sooner, I am pleased that the president recently submitted a request to Congress in order to authorize force to combat this dangerous enemy. Especially Since Congress is constitutionally charged with war making power, it is critical that we act on this authority quickly. While the first steps are behind us in the House through conduction of hearings, it is important that we continue to move in a swift manner to debate, consider and vote on legislation on the House floor. Each day that we delay real action on the matter is another day that ISIL grows stronger."

In the letter, the Members wrote: "We are deeply concerned that eight months into Operation Inherent Resolve, the House has taken no action on an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) which would provide a clear legal justification for the actions against ISIL. While hearings have been held in the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, no markup has taken place. The most recent Legislative Memo released by the Majority Leader contains no suggestion that consideration of an AUMF on the floor is imminent. This dereliction of our constitutional duty causes great injury to the Congress, and threatens our role as a check on the President's power to make war."

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