Source: Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke on the House floor about the ambush in Niger that killed four U.S. service members and the need for Congress to pass a new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF).
Text of the speech follows:
“Mr. Speaker, earlier this month four U.S. service members were killed in Niger by Islamic militants.
“We thank these Americans heroes who paid the ultimate price for our country. Their service will never be forgotten.
“As we learn more about this situation, many of my constituents have asked why American personnel are in Niger.
“Today we have U.S. service members around the globe fighting or advising operations against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups on several continents.
“However, they are doing so under war authorization Congress passed in 2001 and 2002 in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
“Rather than continuing to fight ISIS under an authorization passed by Congress sixteen years ago, it is time to pass a new authorization for the use of military force that is focused on present-day and future threats.
“The authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 are out of date, and I have introduced new AUMF legislation that addresses the modern threats we face.
“The Constitution grants Congress the power of declaring war, and we need to take that obligation seriously and debate these important issues. My bill is a good starting point.
“With that, I yield back.”
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