On April 13th, 2018, the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump made a decision to launch a missile strike against Syria in the name of protecting Syria against chemical weapons from Assad, just like he did in 2017.
Currently, Congress holds the power to declare war. As a result, the President cannot declare war without their approval. However, as Commander and Chief, the President does have the power to send troops into battle, or order a military strike without an official war declaration.
On September 17th, 2018, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and her colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump urging him to consult with Congress before taking any additional military action in Syria.
The letter, which Congresswoman Lee organized with her colleagues Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY), also calls on President Trump to recommit to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Syria.
“We are deeply concerned by recent reports indicating that your administration is preparing to again strike Syria in the event of another chemical weapons attack,” wrote the members. “The Constitution gives the power to declare war to the U.S. Congress and only permits the President to act in self-defense, not simply to further perceived U.S. interests.”
The letter coincides with the 17th anniversary of the passage of the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). Since 2001, the AUMF has been used at least 41 times in 19 countries around the world, according to an unclassified Congressional Research Service Report.
“Previous U.S. military action in response to the April 2017 and 2018 chemical weapons attacks has not contributed to ending the bloodshed in Syria,” the letter continues. “Only a political and diplomatic solution can end the war and potentially avoid additional massive casualties.”
The letter was signed by 48 members of Congress, including 44 Democrats and 4 Republicans.
The full text of the letter is available here. (PDF FILE. WILL AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOAD)
READ FULL LETTER
Full Text of Bipartisan Letter to President Trump Urging Him To Take Military Action on Syria (PDF FILE. WILL AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOAD)
RELATED WORLD FUTURE FUND REPORTS
Preventing World War in Syria 2018
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE
Bipartisan Letter Urges President Trump to Consult With Congress on Military Action in Syria (Barbara Lee Official Site, 9-17-18)
Statements by Barbara Lee in Congress
NEWS ARTICLES
Congress Members Demand Trump Seek Approval Before Military Action In Syria (Zerohedge, 9-18-18)
Congress Members Demand Trump Seek Approval Before Military Action in Syria (Maps and Conflicts Database, 9-18-18)
Washington, D.C | Bipartisan Letter Urges President Trump to Consult With Congress on Military Action in Syria (STL News, 9-17-18)