Enough is Enough

Clearly, the threat posed by ISIS/ISIL in the Middle East isn’t diminishing and the need to do something to protect the United States and our friends abroad is more urgent than ever. Considering the escalating conflict in the area occupied by the terrorist group, attacks against our allies and direct threats surfacing in America, it is past time for thoughtful debate to take place, a clear strategy to be agreed upon and decisive action to be taken to destroy this barbaric enemy.

As you might recall, in response to the increasing boldness and rapidly spreading violence of ISIS, President Obama submitted a request to Congress for the authorization of the use of military force (AUMF) almost a year ago. While I have serious reservations about the strategy the president has pursued against ISIS, I do believe that lawmakers have the responsibility to engage in debate on what he proposed and make their own strategic recommendations for defeating this very dangerous foe. Moreover, Congress is the branch of government charged by the Constitution with war-making power. While the president serves as commander in chief and is responsible for offering a clear strategy for defending the United States when and wherever threats arise, any sustained military action must be authorized by both chambers of Congress before it is enacted.

So far, no such authorization of force has been brought up for debate and consideration in either chamber of Congress. I believe this not only undermines the constitutional responsibility of the legislative branch of government, but it raises questions about the commitment and perseverance of the United States in the war on terror to both our friends as well as our enemies. And certainly, in the wake of the ISIS-supported attacks that occurred in Paris last November and the tragic shooting in San Bernardino, I believe Congress has the responsibility and to duty to the American people to weigh in and act.

In response to this need for debate to begin in Congress, I recently introduced legislation in the House to defeat ISIS and its associated forces. As part of the AUMF I introduced, there would be no geographic restraints on the U.S. military, no expiration on the authorization, no prohibition on sending American ground forces if needed and no restrictions on the ability of the United States to disrupt online terrorist recruitment activities, propaganda or other communications.

I am under no illusions that the legislation I introduced is likely to be the final word, and I don’t necessarily think it should be the final word. But I do believe that it can and should serve to kick start the debate and discussion that Congress has a constitutional responsibility in which to engage. The past seven years have demonstrated that this president’s foreign policy has been one of appeasement, incompetence and weakness. As long as Congress remains silent on this issue, his will continue to be the lone voice speaking for America. We owe it to our fellow citizens, our men and women in uniform and our allies around the world to declare affirmatively, with one united voice, that the United States is singularly focused on wiping out the scourge of terrorism.