Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on Deployment of Special Operations Forces to Syria
Washington DC –Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama announced the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to Syria.
“Today’s announcement that President Obama is deploying US Special Operations Forces to Syria is another reminder that Congress is long overdue for a public debate over our mission and strategy in the Middle East.
“Despite the president’s request for a new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) earlier this year, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility to articulate a clear vision and objective for military action in the region. As a result, President Obama is working from an authorization that is 13 years old and does not reflect the evolution of our role since the initial operations in Iraq.
“The complexity of the situation in the Middle East is not an excuse for Congress to sit on the sidelines. In fact, it demands Congress exercise its constitutional authority. We owe the members of our military and their families a vigorous discussion of our goals and involvement in the Middle East.
“I call on my colleagues to begin that conversation immediately.”