Ernst requests DOD provide details on possible U.S. military action in Syria

If the United States plans military action against Syria for its illegal use of chemical weapons, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, wants assurances that the federal government is authorized and ready to do so, and that congressional consultation takes place first.

The use of chemical weapons by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad is “abhorrent and a violation of international law,” particularly because they’ve been used against Syria’s civilian population, Sen. Ernst wrote in a Sept. 25 letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

“As the world’s most powerful nation, I believe the U.S. must take a strong stance against such egregious actions, and I commend you for your efforts to deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government,” wrote Ernst.

It’s her duty as a member of Congress, she wrote, to guarantee that U.S. military action is within the legal authorities provided to the commander-in-chief under the U.S. Constitution.

“While I have supported previous uses of military force against the Syrian government, I am increasingly concerned about U.S. military action not authorized by the 2001 and 2003 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or the War Powers Resolution,” Sen. Ernst wrote.

The lawmaker pointed out that according to the War Powers Resolution, when America’s president is committed to using U.S. Armed Forces in a hostile situation, such actions “must be pursuant to a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency created by attack upon the U.S., its territories or possessions, or its armed forces,” she wrote.

“I respectfully request additional communication by the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding its decision-making and congressional notification process when considering military action outside of an existing AUMF,” wrote the senator.

At the same time, Sen. Ernst wrote, the president is required by this resolution to first consult Congress and she requested that Mattis also provide her with “information to ascertain the DOD’s views regarding the necessity for congressional approval in such cases.”