President Obama requested for Congress to enact legislation that would authorize the use of U.S. Armed Forces in a war against the Islamic State. On Wednesday, the President of the United States sent a proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force to the Congress along with a letter further explaining the proposal.
The AUMF, if approved, will be significantly different from the former AUMF of 2002, which was under former President George W. Bush. The proposed AUMF would last “three years after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution, unless reauthorized.” Further, it states, “the President shall report to Congress at least once every six months on specific actions taken pursuant to this authorization.” It is also clearly stated that the AUMF “does not authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces in enduring offensive ground combat operations.” President Obama’s proposed AUMF is much more limited than the former AUMF, and is reflective of his attempt to work with the Congress. The AUMF would allow for the continual use of airstrikes against the Islamic State, with the strikes conducted by the United States Air Force.
In his letter, President Obama expressed his desire to work in coordination with the Congress, though he already has authority to conduct desired military actions.
“Although existing statutes provide me with the authority I need to take these actions, I have repeatedly expressed my commitment to working with the Congress to pass a bipartisan authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against ISIL,” he wrote.
“The so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses a threat to the people and stability of Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East, and to U.S. national security. It threatens American personnel and facilities located in the region and is responsible for the deaths of U.S. citizens James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, and Kayla Mueller. If left unchecked, ISIL will pose a threat beyond the Middle East, including to the United States homeland,” warned the President.
Mr. Obama then stressed the commitment to adhering to a “no boots on the ground” policy as much as possible. The AUMF “would not authorize long term, large-scale ground combat operations like those our Nation conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he wrote. Instead, the locally trained forces would combat the ISIL forces. American troops would still be used, but to conduct special operations in “limited circumstances, such as rescue operations involving U.S. or coalition personnel or the use of special operations forces to take military action against ISIL leadership” or “intelligence collection and sharing, missions to enable kinetic strikes, or the provision of operational planning and other forms of advice and assistance to partner forces.”
The enactment of the proposed AUMF would further repeal the AUMF of 2002, and President Obama stated that he intends to refine, and eventually repeal the AUMF of 2001.
“I can think of no better way for the Congress to join me in supporting our Nation's security than by enacting this legislation, which would show the world we are united in our resolve to counter the threat posed by ISIL,” wrote the President.
