This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. troops from hostilities in Syria within 30 days unless Congress declares war or specifically authorizes military force, asserting that current U.S. military actions lack proper authorization. The resolution emphasizes that it does not authorize any further use of military force.
Rand Paul
Senator
KY
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. troops from hostilities in Syria within 30 days unless Congress declares war or specifically authorizes military action. It emphasizes Congress's authority to declare war and asserts that existing authorizations for military force do not apply to the current situation in Syria. The resolution references numerous instances of conflict involving U.S. forces in Syria, highlighting the ongoing nature of these hostilities. This resolution explicitly states that it does not authorize the use of military force.
U.S. Troops Out of Syria Within 30 Days? New Bill Demands It—Unless Congress Says Otherwise
This joint resolution throws down the gauntlet: get U.S. troops out of Syria within 30 days unless Congress formally declares war or gives a specific thumbs-up to military action there. This isn't some vague policy suggestion; it's a direct order to the President, invoking the War Powers Resolution, and it's all about who gets to decide when American forces fight overseas.
Syria Showdown: Congress Pushes Back
The bill flat-out says that neither the 2001 nor 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) covers the current situation in Syria. It lays out a timeline of U.S. involvement, starting with the 2014 campaign against ISIS and running through a laundry list of clashes: Syrian Armed Forces, Iranian-backed groups, Turkish forces, even the Russian Wagner Group. It acknowledges the presence of roughly 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria as of December 19, 2024, and the ongoing, unauthorized "hostilities" they're involved in (Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution).
Real-World Radar: Who's Affected?
- U.S. Military Personnel: The most immediate impact is on the troops stationed in Syria and their families. A 30-day withdrawal is a massive logistical undertaking. The bill doesn't detail how this would happen, just that it must happen.
- Syrian Civilians: The bill acknowledges the complex and dangerous situation on the ground. A sudden U.S. pullout could create a power vacuum, potentially leading to more instability and conflict, impacting civilians caught in the crossfire. The bill doesn't address this directly, focusing instead on the legal requirement for Congressional approval.
- U.S. Taxpayers: While the bill doesn't mention cost, prolonged military operations are expensive. Ending U.S. involvement could mean a shift in spending, but the resolution doesn't specify where those resources might go.
The Big "But": Challenges and Conflicts
This bill is all about reasserting Congress's power over war-making. It's a direct challenge to the Executive Branch's authority to deploy troops without explicit Congressional approval. The bill acknowledges a long history of U.S. military actions in Syria that have occurred without a formal declaration of war or a new, Syria-specific AUMF. The "Rule of Construction" (SEC. 2) makes it crystal clear: this resolution is not an authorization for military force. It's a demand to stop unauthorized actions.
The 30-day deadline is the biggest practical challenge. A rapid withdrawal could create all sorts of problems, from endangering troops to destabilizing the region. The bill, however, focuses squarely on the legal requirement for Congressional authorization, leaving the logistics of withdrawal to the Executive Branch.