For Immediate Release: September 24, 2014
Contact: Robert Naiman, Just Foreign Policy,
(202) 448-2898 x1, naiman@justforeignpolicy.org
Just Foreign Policy Condemns Bombing of Syria Without Congressional Authorization
Washington, DC — September 24, 2014 — In response to the announcement of the U.S. bombing of Syria, Just Foreign Policy released the following statement by Policy Director Robert Naiman:
“President Obama’s decision to launch yet another ‘recess war’ is profoundly disappointing. The Administration’s decision to do this in Libya, Iraq, and now in Syria suggest deliberate choices to try to avoid the robust Congressional and public debate that the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution intended to ensure.”
“The complicity of the Congressional leadership and the majority of Congress in this evasion of Congress’ constitutional role is obvious. While they were in session, Members of Congress of both parties demanded an independent vote on arming and training Syrian insurgents and they received one. The same Members of Congress could have demanded and received a vote on an authorization for the use of force, as the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the ACLU called for.”
“The Congressional Progressive Caucus has been a noteworthy exception to the abdication of Constitutional responsibility. The CPC introduced H. Con. Res. 114, urging Congress to debate and vote on a statutory authorization for any sustained combat in Iraq or Syria.”
“President Obama has played hardball with Congress in his assertion of unilateral warmaking authority; with the exception of insisting to vote on arming and training Syrian insurgents, Congress has failed to adequately respond. Congress’ failure to act is robbing the American people of their right to a robust Congressional and public debate on launching a multicountry war of unknown duration. It is also setting a dangerous precedent for future unilateral military action by the President.”
“Polls show that the public wants full Congressional debate. Members of Congress should show their support for the public will by endorsing initiatives like H. Con. Res. 114.”
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