Jim Banks: “Earlier this month, four U.S. servicemembers were killed in Niger by Islamic militants. We thank these American heroes…”

“Earlier this month, four U.S. servicemembers were killed in Niger by Islamic militants. We thank these American 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 to begin with. Today, we have U.S. servicemembers around the globe fighting or advising operations against ISIS, al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups on several continents. However, they are doing so under war authorization that Congress passed in 2001 and 2002, in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Rather than continuing to fight ISIS under an authorization passed by Congress 16 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 The authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 are out of date. 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. ____________________”