A joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria that have not been authorized by Congress.
This joint resolution, introduced in the Senate, would Direct the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria that have not been authorized by Congress. It asserts that Congress alone has the power to declare war and that the existing AUMFs from 2001 and 2002 do not authorize war in Syria. If adopted, the bill would require U.S. forces to withdraw from Syria within 30 days after adoption (unless the President requests and Congress authorizes a later date) and would continue to prohibit any implied authorization for use of military force. The measure also states that nothing in the joint resolution should be read as authorizing the use of military force. In short, the bill is a congressional effort to end ongoing U.S. military operations in Syria that are not expressly authorized by Congress, by mandating a rapid withdrawal unless new authorization is enacted.
Key Points
- 1Directs withdrawal: Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting Syria within 30 days after adoption, unless the President requests and Congress authorizes a later date, and until there is a declaration of war or specific authorization.
- 2No new authorization: Explicitly states that, by itself, the joint resolution does not authorize the use of military force.
- 3Based on statutory processes: Uses provisions from the Department of State Authorization Act (1984-85) and the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act (1976) to govern the withdrawal process and procedures.
- 4War Powers context: Relies on the War Powers Resolution framework to argue that the activities in Syria constitute “hostilities” requiring congressional authorization, and that Congress can direct removal when such authorizations are not in place.
- 5Non-authorization for Syria: Notes that the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs do not specifically cover Syria, reinforcing the case for requiring new congressional authorization for continued U.S. military activity there.