Orrin Hatch: “I rise today to discuss one of the most critical national security challenges facing the Senate: specifically, how we…”

“I rise today to discuss one of the most critical national security challenges facing the Senate: specifically, how we should craft an authorization for the use of military force against the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State. I have spoken before on the floor about what I believe the outline of an authorization should contain. Now that the President has released his proposal--and with Secretary Kerry, Secretary Carter, and General Dempsey slated to testify tomorrow on behalf of this proposal--I feel compelled to address this topic in greater detail. Before delving into the specifics of the administration's proposed authorization, we should consider how this institution has grappled with these vital questions throughout our Nation's history. Dating back to 1798, Congress has on several occasions enacted legislation short of a formal declaration of war authorizing the use of military force by the President. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Congress authorized U.S. naval action against both state and non-state actors who attacked U.S. commercial vessels. More recent authorizations formally passed by the Congress include those intended to protect the Middle East, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia from communist aggression in the 1950s and 1960s. And since the end of the Cold War, we have passed authorizations concerning Lebanon, the September 11 attacks, and Iraq-- all in 1991 and in 2002.…”