Rand Paul wants Congress to declare war on ISIS, a first since 1941

Rand Paul wants Congress to declare war on ISIS, a first since 1941
(Image credit: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images)

Congress is debating what to do about the Islamic State and President Obama's military campaign against the Islamist militant group. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) tells The New York Times that he will introduce a formal declaration of war against ISIS — which would be the first time Congress has used its constitutional power to declare actual war since World War II. "War cannot be initiated without Congress," he said.

Paul's measure would rescind the 2002 resolution sought and used by President George W. Bush to invade Iraq and, after a year, the 2001 authorization for military use against al Qaeda — the two laws Obama is relying on to attack ISIS. It would also allow U.S. troops to attack ISIS under limited circumstances. The war declaration very likely will go nowhere, and it will probably face more resistance from Republicans than Democrats; Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) has a similar proposal, sans the declaration of war and repeal of the 2001 law.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.