Obama’s Request for Military Authorization Met with Early Resistance from Both Sides
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OnickzArtworks/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — President Obama’s request for military authorization in the fight against ISIS is being met with early resistance on Capitol Hill, with critical questions and deep concern from Democrats and Republicans alike.
Congressional aides said on Wednesday only about 30 of 100 current senators and 138 of 435 current House members were around for the 2002 Iraq war vote.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA, and other Democrats say they are troubled by the “breadth and vagueness” of the language involving ground troops. Kaine and others believe there is too much room for mission creep and say they would not support the proposal as it is now.
Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, and other Republicans say the president’s proposal has the opposite problem: It constricts the commander-in-chief’s flexibility. McCain, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and others say they would not support the proposal as it is now.
At issue is the interpretation of these five words, which would be prohibited in the AUMF: “enduring offensive ground combat operations.”
It’s far too early to suggest the authorization will fail, but if it does, the White House has a backup plan: The proposal only seeks to repeal the 2002 AUMF, the original one passed by Congress in 2001 targeting al Qaeda is still in place and is the basis for the fight already underway against ISIS.
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