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Dems Play Political Games with AUMF

January 28, 2020
After President Trump took decisive action to take out a brutal Iranian terrorist responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, Democrats now seek to restrain our president and restrict his ability to protect our nation.

Here are the facts:
  • We are not at war with Iran. President Trump wants to avoid a war with Iran.
  • However, Iran and its proxies may be plotting future attacks on our forces in the region.
  • Rep. Lee and Rep. Khanna's bills severely restrict the president's authority to protect Americans from terrorist threats and fight ISIS.
  • Democrats' bills do not offer solutions to AUMF concerns, only constraints that embolden Iran.

DEMOCRAT SHENANIGANS

Democrats are going to absurd lengths to deprive Republicans of our motion to recommit (MTR) on these two bills. In fact, Democrats plan to offer both H.R. 2456 and H.R. 5543 as amendments to a commemorative coin bill in order to repress debate and commonplace floor procedures.

Democrat leaders have taken pains to prevent their members from being on the record on issues like defeating terrorism and supporting our Israeli allies.

In fact, Democrats are congratulating one another for depriving us of our minority rights. Rep. Ro Khanna told reporters, "Majority Leader [Steny] Hoyer has done an excellent job in figuring out a procedure for how we can get a vote on the floor on these bills without an MTR that is nongermane and could divide the caucus."

Last year, Speaker Pelosi testified before the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress that, when it comes to protecting the MTR, she is a "big respecter of the rights of the minority in the Congress."
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Speaker Pelosi is being hypocritical. She talks big about respecting the rights of the minority in Congress, but when it comes to backing her words up, she instead approves a scheme to bypass regular committee proceedings and strip Republicans of the motion to recommit.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BILLS

H.R. 2456 - Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq of 2002

Fast facts:
  • The 2002 AUMF authorized the use of force to "defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq."
  • The 2002 AUMF has been used as a legal authority for fighting ISIS and other terrorists in Iraq by both the Trump and Obama Administrations.
  • H.R. 2456 repeals the 2002 AUMF and does not replace it with a new authorization to address ongoing threats.
  • The U.S. troop presence in Iraq therefore becomes uncertain, potentially requiring withdrawal before completion of our counterterrorism and regional stability missions.
  • H.R. 2456 severely undermines our military's ability to respond to terrorist threats emanating from Iraq.


H.R. 5543 - the No War Against Iran Act.

Fast facts:
  • H.R. 5543 directly ties President Trump's hands in responding to Iranian aggression.
  • The bill only allows us to defend against imminent direct attacks on U.S. territory and armed forces. It prohibits us from defending American civilians, diplomats, shipping lanes, allies, or coalition partners from attacks by Iranian forces.
  • This is an unprecedentedly restrictive bill and directly endangers Americans lives. These restrictions only serve to embolden Iran and further encourage attacks.


Reminder: Iran and its proxies have killed hundreds of American troops in Iraq, and just recently orchestrated a brazen attack on our embassy in Baghdad.
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Parts of the U.S. embassy compound stormed and burned by pro-Iranian militias. Source: (Qassim Abdul-Zahra/ AP Photo)

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Parts of the U.S. embassy compound stormed and burned by pro-Iranian militias. Source: (Khalid Mohammed/AP Photo)

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Parts of the U.S. embassy compound stormed and burned by pro-Iranian militias. Source: (Khalid Mohammed/AP Photo)

VETO THREAT

President Trump's Administration has also released Statements of Administration Policy (veto threats) against both H.R. 2456, Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq of 2002, and H.R. 5543, the No War Against Iran Act.

The Administration states H.R. 2456 would:
  • Undermine. . . President's ability to defend United States forces and interests in the region against ongoing threats from Iran and Iranian-sponsored proxies.
  • Terminate a critical legal authority that three successive administrations have relied upon to use force against threats to our national security, and that of our international partners.
  • Embolden our enemies with the recognizable goal of outlasting us.
  • Undermine the ability of the United States to protect American citizens whom Iran continues to seek to harm.
  • Make the world less safe, less secure, and less free.
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Click here or on the image above to view the Statement of Administration Policy.


The Administration states H.R. 5543 would:
  • Endanger the President's ability to defend United States forces and interests in the region against ongoing threats from Iran and its proxies.
  • Undermine the Administration's reestablishment of deterrence with Iran, which could perversely make violent conflict with Iran more likely.
  • Hinder the President's ability to protect United States diplomats, forces, and interests in the region from the continued threat posed by Iran and its proxies.
  • Interfere with the President's ability to protect United States interests in the region, including the ability to protect United States citizens and allies and partners, including Israel.
  • Undermine the ability of the President to protect American citizens, whom Iran continues to try to harm.
  • Embolden the Iranian regime and make the world less safe, and less secure.
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Click here or on the image above to view the Statement of Administration Policy.