NEVADA GOP DEMANDS THAT OBAMA PRESIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH U.S. CONSTITUTION

NEVADA  REPUBLICAN PARTY URGES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW

REGARDING POTENTIAL SYRIA ATTACK

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - August 30, 2013 – The Nevada Republican Party released the following statement regarding President Obama's planned attack on Syria . Chairman Michael McDonald said, “Nevada Republicans believe that the military should only be used when absolutely necessary and only after Congress gives clear permission in accordance with the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973.”

 

Republicans across America expect all our elected leaders follow the Constitution. Congressman Rigell of Virginia sent a letter earlier this week to President Obama signed by 128 members of Congress. The letter reminded President Obama of his legal requirement to obtain approval for military action – a copy of the letter is here. The Nevada Republican Party commends our representatives, Congressman Amodei and Congressman Heck, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, for joining Congressman Rigell by signing this letter urging President Obama to follow the law prior to initiating any combat actions against Syria .

 

Congress passed the War Powers Resolution of 1973, over then-President Nixon's veto, specifically to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States . They intended that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President would be required before the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities.

 

If President Obama attacks Syria without the required authorization from Congress, he will be demonstrating flagrant disregard for the rule of law and separation of powers in our Constitution. We encourage Mr. Obama to heed the advice of then-Senator Obama when he correctly summarized the War Powers Resolution by stating, "The president does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation."

 

Should President Obama fail to obtain approval from Congress as required by Article I Section 8 of the US Constitution prior to initiating hostilities, Congress must consider taking action under Section 1544 of the War Powers Resolution. Such action would compel the President to cease hostilities and withdraw U.S. Forces from any and all combat operations, unless and until Congress approves such actions.

 

The public debate on the appropriate US response to the civil war in Syria demonstrates how powerful grass roots action can influence political decisions. Together, through social media, emails, faxes, and talk radio, we can ensure that the White House understands that our military forces are only to be put in danger in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

 

Please contact the White House and insist that the Obama Administration to obtain the mandated Congressional approval prior to any hostile engagements by our forces. We also encourage Americans to use the internet and phone to reach out to leaders in the media, talk radio, and bloggers to build consensus to encourage Mr. Obama to comply with the law.