Shea-Porter supports debate on military in Syria, against ISIS

Last Friday U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-First Congressional District joined forty-six other lawmakers calling for a debate on the use of military force in Syria and against ISIS. 

After strikes in Syria, President Trump, like his predecessor President Obama, pointed to a 2001 authorization to use the military after the September 11 attacks. That authorization states:

"[The] President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons."

According to a group of legal and military experts, that authorization does not apply to ISIS, which did not exist in 2001. An Army captain is even suing the federal government over action against ISIS, arguing that without Congressional authorization his orders were illegal. 

Supporters also argue that a vote in Congress to authorize the use of military force would clarify the goals and strategy of the fight in Syria and against ISIS.

Opponents, on the other hand, argue that 2001 authorization gives the president the power he needs to fight international terrorist organizations, including ISIS. While ISIS is not affiliated with Al Qaeda, the organization behind the September 11 attacks, ISIS has threatened to carry out similar attacks against the United States in the future.

Other attempts to authorize the use of military force since 2001 have failed because lawmakers could not agree on how much authority to give the President.

Do you think Congress should vote on the use of military in Syria and against ISIS? Share your opinion in the comments below.