Tag Archive for: CongressStepUP

---

CONGRESS MUST AUTHORIZE ANY MILITARY STRIKE IN SYRIA

---

#NoWar
#AUMF
#Syria

President Trump tweeted yesterday that bombing Syria is imminent after the chemical attack on the last rebel-held territory. More than 40 people, mostly women and children, were killed.

Trump appears ready to take unilateral action ahead of fully confirming the facts:
— consultations with US allies are still underway and diplomacy has not been exhausted.
— it has been reported rebel forces agreed to cede the disputed area to the Syrian government and to be bused to an area that is outside governmental control.

To launch an attack Trump will use the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) passed after the 9/11 attacks.

Congress needs to step up and exercise its constitutional authority as the sole governmental branch that can declare war:
— Reps Lofgren and Amash are circulating a letter calling on Trump to secure congressional approval before acting. A similar letter in 2012 led to a negotiated disposal of Syria’s chemical weapons stock.
— Senators Corker and Kaine have a bill that will sunset the 2001 and 2002 AUMF and provide more congressional oversight

Let’s tell our MoCs: assure the American people that the President in making the right choice.

No War without New AUMF!

---

**ACTION: CALL OUR MEMBERS ** 
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because I believe that the President must ask for congressional authorization before using military force in response to the horrific use of chemical weapons in Syria. I want [Name] to provide Congressional oversight by signing the bipartisan letter written by Representatives Lofgren and Amash that calls on the President to secure congressional approval before using unleashing military action against the Assad regime and to sunset 2001/2002 AUMF. Thank you.”

---

**REMEMBER THIS FOR THE MIDTERMS: ASK WHERE YOUR CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES STAND ON THE ROLE OF CONGRESS IN WAR-MAKING.**

The Constitution gives Congress sole power to declare war. Yet Congress has largely given up its power in modern times, especially since 9/11. This mid-term election, make sure your candidate spells out his or her position on authorization for use of military force.

---

COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN 
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me

SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/

SENATOR RON WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/