To: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-1), Sen. Martha McSally (AZ-2), Sen. Kamala Harris (CA-2), Sen. Christopher Murphy (CT-2), Sen. Chris Coons (DE-2), Sen. Rick Scott (FL-2), Sen. James Risch (ID-2), Sen. Richard Durbin (IL-1), Sen. Rand Paul (KY-2...

SFRC: Limit Use of U.S. Ground Troops in AUMF

Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee should support Senator Tim Kaine's proposal to block the use of U.S. ground forces in combat in Iraq and Syria, except for rescue missions and against groups that directly threaten the U.S., when they consider an authorization of the use of force. Senators should also support Sen. Kaine’s proposal to “sunset” an authorization of force, so that war can not go on indefinitely without Congress having to revisit it, and his proposal to limit the targets of force, so the war can’t morph into a regime change war in Syria without explicit Congressional approval.

Why is this important?

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to vote soon on an authorization for the use of force in Iraq and Syria against ISIS. When there is a vote on an AUMF, it is expected to pass overwhelmingly. But the committee will have the opportunity to impose limits on the use of military force.

Senator Kaine’s proposal would prohibit the use of ground troops except for rescue missions and "limited operations against high-value targets" – that is, against terrorist leaders who directly threaten the United States. It would expire in one year unless renewed by Congress and would require the White House to give legislators a list of groups that might be covered by the authorization because they are associated with the Islamic State. [1]

Urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support Senator Kaine’s efforts to limit the use of force by signing our petition.

References:
1. “Senate hearing set on role of Congress in military actions,” Bill Bartel, Virginian-Pilot, December 6, 2014, http://www.stripes.com/news/us/senate-hearing-set-on-role-of-congress-in-military-actions-1.317718