Great Reps ask for Robust debate on US role in Iraq: Ellison, Lee, Grijaiva

Below is a dear colleague letter Mr. Ellison, Mr. Grijalva, and Ms. Lee sent to Members of Congress asking for support for H.R. 114, a resolution calling for Robust Debate and Authorization for U.S. Combat Role in Iraq.

Cosponsor H. Con. Res. 114, a Resolution Calling for a Robust Debate and Authorization for U.S. Combat Role in Iraq

From: The Honorable Raul M. Grijalva
Sent By: kyle.smith@mail.house.gov
Bill: H.Con.Res. 114
Date: 9/16/2014

Cosponsor H. Con. Res. 114, a Resolution Calling for a Robust Debate and Authorization for U.S. Combat Role in Iraq or Syria
Cosponsors: Ellison, Lee, McGovern, Grayson, Defazio, Welch
Dear Colleague:
Over the past few months, our country has grappled with the question of how to deal with the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Last week, the President put forward his own plan, which would provide for a significant long-term bombing campaign and military escalation in Iraq and Syria.
The Constitution has entrusted specific, articulated war powers to both the Executive and Legislative branches. The President has laid out a vision for action, consistent with his interpretation of his authority as Commander-in-Chief. We believe that it is incumbent on Congress to exercise its own constitutional authority to debate and examine the significant consequences of another multi-year military intervention in the Middle East and to authorize any use of force.
Consistent with this belief, we recently introduced H. Con. Res. 114, which calls for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duties by debating and voting on a narrowly tailored authorization for any sustained military campaign in Iraq or Syria. The resolution states that:
Congress should debate and vote on a statutory authorization or any sustained U.S. combat role in Iraq or Syria;
Congress does not support the deployment of ground troops in Iraq or Syria;
Congress should ensure that any such statutory authorization is narrowly tailored and limited; and
Congress should ensure that any statutory authorization includes robust reporting requirements.
After more than a decade of war, the voices of the American people need to be heard during a full and robust debate in Congress on the proper response to the threat posed by ISIS. If you have any questions or would like to cosponsor H. Con. Res. 114, please contact Kyle Smith (kyle.smith@mail.house.gov) with the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Full Text of H. Con. Res. 114 can be found here.
Sincerely,

Raul M. Grijalva Keith Ellison Barbara Lee
Co-Chair Co-Chair Chair, CPC Peace
Congressional Progressive Caucus Congressional Progressive Caucus and Security Taskforce