Text of Pres Obama's Authorization for Use of Military Force

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johnkarls
Posts: 2033
Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:43 pm

Text of Pres Obama's Authorization for Use of Military Force

Post by johnkarls »

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---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: Here's what the President sent Congress yesterday:
From: "The White House" <info@mail.whitehouse.gov>
Date: Thu, February 12, 2015 12:32 pm
To: john@johnkarls.com
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The White House

Here's what the President sent Congress yesterday:

Yesterday, President Obama transmitted to Congress a proposed authorization for the use of military force, or AUMF, against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as ISIL.

ISIL poses a threat to U.S. national security, which is why U.S. armed forces are already working with some 60 other nations and partners to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL. The President has said that we are strongest as a nation when the President and Congress work together, and enacting a bipartisan AUMF against ISIL would provide a clear and powerful signal that the United States stands united behind the efforts to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL.

Take a look at the text of the letter he sent to Congress, below.
http://click.mail.whitehouse.gov/?qs=a4 ... 3da4f7e32c
Then learn more about exactly what an authorization of military force means for us.


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TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

The so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses a threat to the people and stability of Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East, and to U.S. national security. It threatens American personnel and facilities located in the region and is responsible for the deaths of U.S. citizens James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, and Kayla Mueller. If left unchecked, ISIL will pose a threat beyond the Middle East, including to the United States homeland.

I have directed a comprehensive and sustained strategy to degrade and defeat ISIL. As part of this strategy, U.S. military forces are conducting a systematic campaign of airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Although existing statutes provide me with the authority I need to take these actions, I have repeatedly expressed my commitment to working with the Congress to pass a bipartisan authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against ISIL. Consistent with this commitment, I am submitting a draft AUMF that would authorize the continued use of military force to degrade and defeat ISIL.

My Administration's draft AUMF would not authorize long-term, large-scale ground combat operations like those our Nation conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan. Local forces, rather than U.S. military forces, should be deployed to conduct such operations. The authorization I propose would provide the flexibility to conduct ground combat operations in other, more limited circumstances, such as rescue operations involving U.S. or coalition personnel or the use of special operations forces to take military action against ISIL leadership. It would also authorize the use of U.S. forces in situations where ground combat operations are not expected or intended, such as intelligence collection and sharing, missions to enable kinetic strikes, or the provision of operational planning and other forms of advice and assistance to partner forces.

Although my proposed AUMF does not address the 2001 AUMF, I remain committed to working with the Congress and the American people to refine, and ultimately repeal, the 2001 AUMF. Enacting an AUMF that is specific to the threat posed by ISIL could serve as a model for how we can work together to tailor the authorities granted by the 2001 AUMF.

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.

BARACK OBAMA


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Full Text of the AUMF per The Washington Post - 2/11/2014 --

JOINT RESOLUTION

To authorize the limited use of the United States Armed Forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Whereas the terrorist organization that has referred to itself as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and various other names (in this resolution referred to as "ISIL") poses a grave threat to the people and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, regional stability, and the national security interests of the United States and its allies and partners;

Whereas ISIL holds significant territory in Iraq and Syria and has stated its intention to seize more territory and demonstrated the capability to do so;

Whereas ISIL leaders have stated that they intend to conduct terrorist attacks internationally, including against the United States, its citizens, and interests;

Whereas ISIL has committed despicable acts of violence and mass executions against Muslims, regardless of sect, who do not subscribe to ISIL’s depraved, violent, and oppressive ideology;

Whereas ISIL has threatened genocide and committed vicious acts of violence against religious and ethnic minority groups, including Iraqi Christian, Yezidi, and Turkmen populations;

Whereas ISIL has targeted innocent women and girls with horrific acts of violence, including abduction, enslavement, torture, rape, and forced marriage;

Whereas ISIL is responsible for the deaths of innocent United States citizens, including James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, and Kayla Mueller;

Whereas the United States is working with regional and global allies and partners to degrade and defeat ISIL, to cut off its funding, to stop the flow of foreign fighters to its ranks, and to support local communities as they reject ISIL;

Whereas the announcement of the anti-ISIL Coalition on September 5, 2014, during the NATO Summit in Wales, stated that ISIL poses a serious threat and should be countered by a broad international coalition;

Whereas the United States calls on its allies and partners, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa that have not already done so to join and participate in the anti-ISIL Coalition;

Whereas the United States has taken military action against ISIL in accordance with its inherent right of individual and collective self-defense;

Whereas President Obama has repeatedly expressed his commitment to working with Congress to pass a bipartisan authorization for the use of military force for the anti-ISIL military campaign; and

Whereas President Obama has made clear that in this campaign it is more effective to use our unique capabilities in support of partners on the ground instead of large-scale deployments of U.S. ground forces: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in
Congress assembled, That

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This joint resolution may be cited as the “Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.”

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.

(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The President is authorized, subject to the limitations in subsection (c), to use the Armed Forces of the United States as the President determines to be necessary and appropriate against ISIL or associated persons or forces as defined in section 5.

(b) WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REQUIREMENTS.—

(1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION.—Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1547(a)(1)), Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)).

(2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—Nothing in this resolution supersedes
any requirement of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).

(c) LIMITATIONS.—

The authority granted in subsection (a) does not authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces in enduring offensive ground combat operations.

SEC. 3. DURATION OF THIS AUTHORIZATION.

This authorization for the use of military force shall terminate three years after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution, unless reauthorized.

SEC. 4. REPORTS.

The President shall report to Congress at least once every six months on specific actions taken pursuant to this authorization.

SEC. 5. ASSOCIATED PERSONS OR FORCES DEFINED.

In this joint resolution, the term "associated persons or forces" means individuals and organizations fighting for, on behalf of, or alongside ISIL or any closely-related successor entity in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners.

SEC. 6. REPEAL OF AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ.

The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107–243; 116 Stat. 1498; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is hereby repealed.

johnkarls
Posts: 2033
Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:43 pm

White House Blog - What You Need To Know About The AUMF

Post by johnkarls »

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Right now, America’s armed forces are working with some 60 nations to degrade and destroy ISIL, a terrorist group that has committed countless barbaric atrocities and poses a grave threat to the people and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, regional stability, and the national security interests of the United States and its allies and partners. Coalition air strikes have been instrumental in disrupting ISIL’s command and control and supply lines and taking out their commanders and fighters.

The mission is a difficult one, but make no mistake, our coalition is on the offensive, ISIL is on the defensive, and ISIL is going to lose.

Although the President already has the legal authority he needs to take action against ISIL, he has noted that we are strongest as a nation when the President and Congress work together. A bipartisan authorization of the use of military force (AUMF) against ISIL would provide a clear and powerful signal to the American people, to our allies, and to our enemies that the U.S. is united behind the effort to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL.

That is why the President submitted a draft proposal today to Congress that would authorize the continued use of military force against ISIL. What exactly is he asking for? For how long? What will our armed forces be asked to do? Here are some answers to a few questions you may have about the President’s AUMF request:

1. What is an AUMF?

An AUMF, or authorization of use of military force, is a law passed by Congress that authorizes the President to use U.S. military force.

2. What is the President’s proposal for an AUMF against ISIL?

The President is submitting a draft of an AUMF to Congress to authorize the continued limited use of military force to degrade and defeat ISIL. Key elements of the President’s proposal include:

(A) A three-year limit on the AUMF so that the next President, Congress, and the American people can assess the progress we have made against ISIL and review these authorities again

(B) A repeal of the 2002 Iraq AUMF which authorized the 2003 Iraq invasion under President George W. Bush

It’s important to note that the AUMF the President is proposing would not authorize long-term, large-scale ground combat operations like those our nation conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan. His proposal does seek the flexibility to conduct ground operations in other, more limited circumstances, including:

(A) Rescue operations involving U.S. or coalition personnel

(B) Special Operations missions against ISIL leadership

(C) Intelligence collection and assistance to partner forces

3. Why is this AUMF against ISIL important?

ISIL poses a grave threat to the people and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, regional stability, and the national security interests of the United States and its allies and partners. These terrorists are responsible for the deaths of innocent U.S. citizens James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, and Kayla Jean Mueller.

ISIL leaders have stated that they intend to conduct terrorist attacks internationally, including against the United States, its citizens, and interests. That is why the President is committed to working with Congress to continue our efforts against ISIL.

4. Will this be the first time we will use military force against ISIL?

No. The U.S. is currently leading over 60 partners in an international effort to degrade and destroy ISIL, and together, the coalition has conducted more than 2,300 airstrikes to date. However, as the President has said, we are strongest as a nation when the President and Congress work together. Enacting a bipartisan ISIL-specific AUMF would clearly show the force of our united resolve to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL.

5. So is our military going to engage in ground combat operations like those our nation conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan?

No. As the President has said repeatedly, the U.S. should not be dragged into another ground war in the Middle East. That’s not in our national security interests -- and it’s not necessary. Local forces on the ground who know their countries best -- including Iraqi, Kurdish, and moderate Syrian opposition forces -- are best positioned to take the ground fight to ISIL -- and they are. The 2,600 American troops in Iraq today largely serve on bases, and they face the risks that come with service in any dangerous environment. But they do not have a combat mission.

6. How is this AUMF different from President George W. Bush’s AUMF that authorized the 2003 invasion of Iraq?

Unlike the AUMF that authorized the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the President’s proposal does not authorize enduring offensive ground combat operations and limits this authorization to three years. In short, the President’s proposal is not the authorization of another ground war like Afghanistan or Iraq.

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