S.J.Res. 43

Authorization for Use of Force Against the Organization Called the Islamic State

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IIA

113th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. J. RES. 43

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 8, 2014

Mr. Inhofe introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

JOINT RESOLUTION

To authorize the use of force against the organization called the Islamic State in order to defend the American people and assist the Iraqi Government in expelling the Islamic State from their territory.

Whereas the organization called the Islamic State or IS, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, has murdered United States citizens;

Whereas IS has threatened to kill United States citizens and the current leader of IS has stated that [t]he war with you has just begun;

Whereas the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of United Kingdom have jointly confirmed the threat posed by IS fighters returning to allied nations and American shores by stating that [w]hether it is regional aggression going unchecked or the prospect that foreign fighters could return from Iraq and Syria to pose a threat in our countries, the problems we face today threaten the security of the British and American people, and the wider world;

Whereas Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has stated IS is as sophisticated and well-funded as any group that we have seen. … and … an imminent threat to every interest we have, whether it’s in Iraq or anywhere else. …;

Whereas acts, such as the murder of United States citizens, and threats of other terrorist acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both home and abroad;

Whereas acts, such as the murder of United States citizens, and threats of other terrorist acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States;

Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2169 notes the Islamic State’s advancement is a major threat to Iraq’s future, condemns the attacks by the Islamic State, reiterates the international community support for Iraq’s security and territorial integrity, and emphasizes the need to continue efforts to promote international and regional cooperation aimed at supporting Iraq to prevent terrorist groups … in particular ISIL [IS], from using the territories of Iraq and neighboring States to carry out violence or other illicit acts to destabilize Iraq and the region …;

Whereas UNSCR 2169 further notes IS’s actions have resulted in heavy human causalities including children, the displacement of more than one million Iraqi civilians and the threats against all religious and ethnic groups …; and

Whereas the Iraqi Government has requested the assistance of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

1.

Short title

This joint resolution may be cited as the Authorization for Use of Force Against the Organization Called the Islamic State.

2.

Authorization for use of United States Armed Forces

(a)

In general

That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force in order to defend the national security of the United States against the threat posed by the organization called the Islamic State (or IS), formally known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as well as any successor organization.

(b)

War Powers Resolution requirements

(1)

Specific statutory authorization

Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.

(2)

Applicability of other requirements

Nothing in this joint resolution supercedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution.

3.

Reports to Congress

(a)

Strategy

Not later than 15 days after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution, the President shall submit to Congress a written report setting forth a comprehensive strategy of the United States to defeat the organization called the Islamic State, as well as any successor organization, by using all appropriate military, economic, and political capabilities of the United States.

(b)

Implementation of strategy

Not later than 90 days after the submittal of the report required by subsection (a) and every 90 days thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a written report setting forth a current comprehensive description and assessment of the implementation of the strategy set forth in the report required by subsection (a). If the President makes a substantive change to the comprehensive strategy, the President will immediately submit a written report to Congress which articulates the change, the reason for the change and the change’s effect on the rest of the comprehensive strategy.