Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie introduces bill to block unauthorized U.S. military aid to Syrian rebels

Just days after four Republican Senators  introduced legislation to prohibit the President from using any funds on activities that would escalate U.S. involvement in the Syrian civil war, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and nine other House members introduced legislation to block unauthorized U.S. military aid to Syrian rebels.

Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) Image/United States Congress

H.R. 2507, the War Powers Protection Act of 2013, prohibits any military assistance to Syrian opposition forces unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war pursuant to Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

This legislation comes on the heels of President Obama expressing his intention to send arms to the rebels in Syria fighting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

“Since our national security interests in Syria are unclear, we risk giving money and military assistance to our enemies,” said Rep. Massie.  “Additionally, all military action must be authorized by Congress. The American people deserve open debate by their elected officials.”

On his official Facebook page, Massie thanked Representatives Justin Amash, Walter Jones, Congressman Ted Yoho, Dr. Phil Roe, Congressman Mo Brooks, Congressman Joe Pitts, Mark Meadows, Scott DesJarlais, and Louie Gohmert for joining him on this important legislation.

“We cannot continue to spend American money overseas without a vote of approval from Congress,” said Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina.  “For too long, the legislature’s responsibility to authorize military force has been overlooked.  It is time that we uphold the Constitution, which makes it clear in Article 1, Section 8 that Congress alone holds the power to declare war.”

“The Constitution empowers Congress—and only Congress—to declare war.  Congress has not declared war against Syria or otherwise authorized force in that country, yet the President unilaterally has decided to arm the Syrian rebels.  His action is unconstitutional and must be stopped,” said Michigan Rep. Justin Amash.

Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert said, “If we had acted earlier, it may have been different, but now there is a tyrant on one side and al-Qaeda backed rebels on the other, which is a no-win situation. Neither our troops nor funding nor weapons should be wedged into the middle of a no-win situation.”

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress—not the President—the power to declare war.