Cole Statement on President’s AUMF Request

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the president submitted a request to Congress for authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“Considering that ISIL has already been responsible for killing Americans and attacking a number of our allies, there is no question this terrorist group poses an immediate threat to our homeland,” said Cole. “The president’s request for authorization of military force to combat this dangerous enemy is long overdue. As lawmakers consider his request, I am hopeful that we can provide clear guidance for the mission and fully authorize the executive branch and our military tasked with meeting the objective.

“I continue to support a sustained military effort to destroy these terrorists, but I am concerned that the Administration will try to ‘nickel and dime’ this critical mission. The president must understand that destroying ISIL calls for unwavering, sustained use of overwhelming force. With such a dangerous enemy at hand, we cannot afford to hesitate or fail to consider all the possible military assets.

“Because the president prematurely and unwisely withdrew troops from Iraq, ISIL’s mobilization was encouraged rather than thwarted. In order to secure the area once again, the Administration has now had to reintroduce combat units that arguably shouldn’t have left in the first place. In the meantime, the enemy has grown stronger and is much more difficult to defeat.

“While I agree with the president’s objective to combat ISIL, I have never accepted that he has the authority to act without congressional authorization. I have argued for many months that he should consult Congress before taking action, rather than relying on previous authorizations under a different Administration for different missions, different enemies and clearly different purposes,” concluded Cole.

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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165