Rangel Statement On Speaker Ryan's Push For Authorized Use Of Military Force Against ISIL

Statement

Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement after Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan announced his support for an authorization for use of military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant:.

"I applaud Speaker Paul Ryan for his push in the House to formally authorize a military campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). With our soldiers wounded and paying the ultimate price, there is no question that we are fighting a war we have yet to declare. I have repeatedly urged Congress to vote for the War Powers resolution or legislation for Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).

President Barack Obama's request for the AUMF in February 2015 has been unanswered. It has yet to be brought to the House floor for a debate and a vote. I am pleased that Speaker Ryan is ready to take action. It is time for Congress to exercise its constitutional duty so that the American people can weigh in on the decisions that involve sending our sons and daughters to fight abroad. Our service members deserve the full support of the entire nation.

If indeed we must go to war, whether through service or war tax, the American public must also be willing to share the burden of war. Currently our military conflicts are unfairly shouldered by less than one percent of the population and have incurred massive debts, which is why I have long called for reinstating the draft and to levy a war tax. In the coming weeks, I look forward to debating on how we fight our wars and who we send to fight them."

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