Chris Coons: “I would like to speak briefly about the amendment just voted upon by this Chamber, an amendment brought forward by…”

“I would like to speak briefly about the amendment just voted upon by this Chamber, an amendment brought forward by Senator Paul. As my colleagues know, the Paul amendment would have repealed the 2001 authorization for the use of military force, or so-called AUMF, which authorized military operations against al-Qaida and the Taliban. It would also repeal the 2002 AUMF, which authorized operations against Saddam Hussein and Iraq. These repeals would take effect 6 months after the adoption of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. Senators of both parties owe it to the men and women of our Armed Forces to debate in public the merits of continued conflict against ISIS, al-Qaida, and the Taliban in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, where the brave men and women who serve us and keep us safe are currently engaged in service to our Nation and our security. I am very sympathetic to my colleagues' concerns about the potential consequences of repealing the 2001 and 2002 authorizations. I don't want our troops fighting overseas to see our debate on this amendment as a lack of support for their vital mission. I don't want to see our enemies emboldened. I, however, chose to support the Paul amendment, but my commitment to our troops and my commitment to defeating our enemies is as strong as ever. This body can and must immediately get to work to craft a legal authorization relevant to our current conflict.…”