Byrne Co-Sponsors Authorization for Use of Military Force Against ISIS

Statement

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today announced his support for House Joint Resolution 33, an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, sponsored by Congressman Adam Kizinger (R-IL).

Currently, the U.S. military is operating under an AUMF from 2002 that authorized military action in Iraq. Congressman Byrne does not believe the 2002 AUMF allows for U.S. military action in Syria, and he has repeatedly called on Congress to pass a new AUMF that gives the military the authority to defeat ISIS.

Byrne said: "One of the most important things we can do to prevent terror attacks by Islamic extremists here at home is to defeat ISIS in the Middle East. In order to do that, Congress should pass an updated Authorization for Military Force (AUMF) that applies specifically to ISIS. Instead of being micro-managed by our current Commander-in-Chief, our military men and women deserve a clear and decisive strategy, and a new AUMF is an important part of that process.

"The AUMF President Obama submitted to Congress earlier this year is woefully inadequate and fails to give our military commanders the full range of authority they need to defeat ISIS in the Middle East. Since President Obama is refusing to lead, Congress has no choice but to take the lead and authorize military action against this vile enemy.

"This AUMF will send a message to our troops and our allies that we are committed to this fight, and it will send a message to ISIS that we will not allow their vile acts of terror to continue."

H.J.Res. 33 is a straightforward bill that gives the President, as our Commander-in-Chief, and our military leaders the authorization they need to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Click here to read the text of the bill.

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