STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN (MA02) ON THE PRESIDENT’S DRAFT AUMF

Washington, DC, February 11, 2015
I’m pleased that we are finally discussing a new authorization for military force in the Middle East, something that should have happened a long time ago. Congress has been negligent, ignoring its constitutional duties on matters of war and peace. I hope that when a resolution comes to the floor, the House will be given the opportunity for a full and fair debate.

I’m pleased that we are finally discussing a new authorization for military force in the Middle East, something that should have happened a long time ago. Congress has been negligent, ignoring its constitutional duties on matters of war and peace.  I hope that when a resolution comes to the floor, the House will be given the opportunity for a full and fair debate. 

Further, I am troubled by the Administration’s request, which I believe is far too open-ended and does little to constrain this or the next Administration from engaging in sustained combat.  We should be doing much more to promote a legitimate and lasting political solution in the region.  And we should be wary of believing that any Congressional resolution will suddenly cause 50 million people in the Middle East to decide to live peaceably together.