Bills
| 3.23.22

Should The U.S. Authorize A Military Campaign Against ISIL? (H. Joint Res. 27)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H. Joint Res. 27?

(Updated October 24, 2019)

If passed, this joint resolution would authorize the U.S. to use military force against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (otherwise known as ISIS) in Iraq and Syria for three years. 

It does not, however, authorize the use of ground forces in combat. The resolution reflects the President’s belief that local forces, rather than the U.S. military, should ultimately engage in ground combat with ISIL. Consequently, the resolution only authorizes U.S. military forces in search and rescue operations, intelligence collection, missions to enable air strikes, partner force enablement, and in direct action against ISIL leadership. 

The resolution limits the deployment of U.S. military forces to Iraq and Syria, except for instances when military personnel must travel beyond these territories to train regional soldiers and fighters.

Argument in favor

Authorizing a plan that limits the number of boots on the ground is ideal. This resolution allows the U.S. to weaken ISIL forces, while minimizing the risk to U.S. military forces.

Argument opposed

This resolution is too restrictive. In order to defeat ISIL, the President needs more power and must develop a more robust and comprehensive strategy to take these terrorists down.

Impact

Iraqi and Syrian regional forces, people in the U.S. armed services, military leadership, anyone to whom ISIL poses a direct threat, U.S. citizens, the President, and Congress.

Cost of H. Joint Res. 27

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In Depth:

Despite previously criticizing the President for overusing his executive authority, many Republicans have taken to railing on Obama’s plan to restrict military force against ISIL. In an interview with Fox News, House Speaker John Boehner argued, “The president is asking for less authority than he has today under previous authorizations. I don’t think that’s smart. We need a robust strategy to take on ISIL.”

Whether or not Congress approves Obama’s plan, the importance of debating the issue, as White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough noted, is crucial:

"What [Congress] shouldn't do this time is what they did in 2013 when they took a pass on this issue. It's very important in questions of war and peace for Congress to be heard. The president has given them a roadmap to follow. They can take that or they can come up with something else. But they should not take a pass on this important issue."

Indeed, in a letter to Congress that accompanied this resolution, President Obama emphasized the importance of working together, writing:  

“I can think of no better way for the Congress to join me in supporting our Nation's security than by enacting this legislation, which would show the world we are united in our resolve to counter the threat posed by ISIL.”

Media:

(Photo Credit: Flickr user FreedomHouse)