In the constant barrage of news and updates about the shenanigans of the Trump administration, it’s hard to decide what to watch and listen to and follow. Currently, the YUGEST news seems to be about the investigation into possible collusion between Trump’s associates (and Trump?) and Russian/Putin influences and forces.
Surprise! Slipping slyly under the headlines, The Nation noted over the weekend that on Wednesday, May 17th, U.S. forces had carried out air strikes in southern Syria against pro-Assad forces. This is a clearly unconstitutional action. The Constitution explicitly states that Congress – and NOT the executive branch – has the authority to initiate new military actions. Despite his solemn oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, Trump has defied all laws and protocols to push the United States further into the Syrian conflict.
Per the Pentagon, the air strikes targeted a convoy of Iran-backed troops as they moved in the direction of an air base close to the Jordanian border that was secured by U.S. Special Forces and American-backed rebel groups.
Ted Lieu, the Congressman from California, who is also a former U.S. Air Force officer now serving as a colonel in the Reserves, is an expert in military law.
If true, this is FRICKIN ILLEGAL. Trump does not have Congressional authorization to attack Syria, a country that has not attacked US. https://t.co/5cf7gBVwC7
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) May 18, 2017
The congressman issued a statement:
“For the second time in as many months, the US military has conducted airstrikes against pro-Assad forces in Syria. The Trump Administration does not have congressional authorization to carry out military strikes against the Assad regime. Furthermore, the situation that led to today’s strike is precisely why I warned against getting further entangled in the Syrian civil war without a clear strategy. President Trump needs to explain his plan for Syria to Congress and the American people.”
The Power of War
Article I of the Constitution is clear in giving Congress the power to declare war:
“The Congress shall have Power To . . . provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States.”
—U.S. Constitution, Article I, section 8, clause 1
impeachment is a complicated political process, not one that can be entered into lightly. However, this administration has shown a level of disrespect for the Constitution and for the processes that make our country work for the American people that is “unpresidented” in history. The impeachable offense list is growing, and it’s only day 125. Can we please start now?
Featured image from YouTube video.
