Kaine Statement on Airstrikes in Syria

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement today on recent U.S. air strikes in Syria targeting Iran-backed militias:

“The American people deserve to hear the Administration’s rationale for these strikes and its legal justification for acting without coming to Congress. Offensive military action without congressional approval is not constitutional absent extraordinary circumstances. Congress must be fully briefed on this matter expeditiously.”

For years, Kaine has been the leading voice in Congress raising concerns over presidents’ efforts to expand the use of military force without congressional authorization. In previous Congresses, Kaine has introduced bipartisan legislation to repeal the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq and replace the open-ended 2001 AUMF with a narrower authorization. Last year, he introduced a resolution to prohibit unconstitutional war with Iran, which was supported by a bipartisan majority in the Senate and House but unfortunately vetoed by President Trump.

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