June 22, 2017 The Call: No military action without Congressional approval Many liberal and conservative observers have raised serious concern about Trump’s mental stability. Reports of an angry president obsessing over the Russia investigation raise serious concerns he may try to distract from the investigation with a major military action. Article I of 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 President Bush to take military action against any entity that aided the attacks, or harbored perpetrators, in order to prevent future attacks (the 2001 AUMF). All use of US military force since then, including recent actions against Syrian government forces, have relied on the 2001 AUMF. By any measure, the 2001 AUMF has been stretched far beyond its original intent The US involvement in Syria deepened further this week with the US shooting down a Syrian warplane and Russia threatening retaliation. In recent weeks, US forces in Syria have also clashed with the Iranian military multiple times, raising concerns about a military conflict with Iran. Trump’s apparent lack of understanding about the Middle East, as illustrated by his thoroughly confused Qatar policy, further raises the risks of serious US military involvement in the Middle East. The escalation of potential military action, potentially on a nuclear level, is possible in North Korea where, following the death of Otto Wambier and reports of new activity at North Korea’s nuclear test site, Trump tweeted that his Chinese engagement strategy has failed. Sean Spicer has stated that Trump does not believe he needs Congressional approval for military action against North Korea. With an unpredictable and ill-informed President desperate for a diversion from the Russia investigation, 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. Talking Points
This is [NAME] and I’m a constituent in [ZIP].
Congress must authorize any further military action by the president.
Trump is carrying out military operations in Syria without any Congressional oversight or approval.
This risks military conflict not just with Syria, but with Russia and Iran
Congress must also authorize any military action in North Korea where war could be nuclear.