Congress must authorize campaign against ISIS
British warplanes have attacked ISIS positions in Syria. The sorties came soon after the House of Commons authorized military intervention against the Islamist group.
Westminster held a vigorous debate before the vote. Members of Parliament ultimately gave their consent to Prime Minister David Cameron’s request for authorization. The vote issued a stirring statement of national resolve. The United Kingdom stands as one. Hilary Benn, a Labour shadow secretary and son of the legendary leftist Tony Benn, gave an impassioned speech in favor of the resolution.
Although American politicians have spoken out on the threat, a formal debate has not occurred in the Congress of the United States. Following the British vote, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) notes that U.S. strikes against ISIS began almost 17 months ago. The Obama administration launched the attacks — and has deployed troops to the theater, boots on the ground — without asking for congressional approval. The GOP-controlled legislature has not seemed inclined to assert congressional war powers (perhaps it does not want to give Obama a victory on anything); the left appears untroubled by an imperial presidency as well. Says Kaine:
“With a vote in Parliament, the United Kingdom has demonstrated that it is committed to defeating ISIL while sending an important message of support to our coalition partners and British troops. I once again urge my colleagues in Congress to recognize the importance of a debate and vote on this war — for the American people, as well as our standing among allies around the world — by taking up a new authorization of force against a brutal enemy that is not going away anytime soon.”
Kaine is right. The British Parliament is exercising the powers the American Revolution fought to express.