April 17, 2017 The Call – No Military Action without Congressional approval The Constitution gives the power to authorize military action to Congress. However, in recent decades, Congress has often failed to fully assert its prerogative and has acquiesced to the executive taking various military actions with flimsy Congressional authority. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Congress authorized the President to take military action against any entity that committed or aided the attacks, or harbored perpetrators, in order to prevent future attacks (the 2001 AUMF). All use of US military force since then, including the Syrian missile strike, have relied on the 2001 AUMF. By any measure, the 2001 AUMF has been stretched far beyond its original intent and there is currently disagreement as to whether President Trump’s missile attack on the Syrian air base is legal and authorized by Congress. Many in Congress in both parties want Congress to play a more explicit role in authorizing military action in Syria and elsewhere. The escalation of potential military action on a far more catastrophic, possibly nuclear level, is now being threatened in North Korea. At his news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Vice-President Pence warned North Korea that “all options are on the table.” He cited the bombings in Syria and the MOAB in Afghanistan as proof of American “strength and resolve.” With an unpredictable and ill-informed president risking nuclear attack or retaliation, it is imperative that Congress perform its Constitutional duty and reassert its obligation to approve or disapprove of military force before it occurs. Your Action Call your three members of Congress and tell them Congress must reassert its Constitutional duty and require the president to obtain Congressional approval before any further military action. Script Hi. This is [NAME] and I’m a constituent in [ZIP]. I’m concerned that the White House is carrying out military operations without Congressional approval. I urge [Sen/Rep____] to insist Congress reassert its Constitutional duty and require the president to obtain Congressional approval before any further military action in Syria, North Korea or anywhere else. I appreciate your time. Thank you!
top of page
bottom of page