Crow Leads Resolution to Stop Unauthorized U.S. Military Strikes

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran, Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and top Democrat on the bipartisan Cartel Task Force, introduced a War Powers Act resolution to block future unauthorized military strikes following the illegal use of force in the Caribbean Sea. 

“The illegal flow of drugs into the U.S. is a huge problem. But President Trump does not have the legal authority to launch military strikes in the Caribbean, or anywhere else, without congressional approval. The American people do not want to be dragged into more foreign wars. I put on the uniform to serve this country and did three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan that cost thousands of lives, trillions of dollars, and decades of lost opportunity. We owe the public a debate and vote before we ever send our servicemembers into harm’s way,” said Congressman Crow.

Crow’s resolution comes in the wake of unauthorized military strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea that were not authorized by Congress. The Congressman supports bipartisan efforts to ensure that the Federal Government has the resources necessary to prevent drugs from entering the United States illegally. This resolution clarifies that Congress has not authorized the U.S. military to attack organizations and non-state actors involved in drug trafficking.

The resolution directs the President to terminate the use of armed force, while acknowledging the importance of supporting other efforts to prevent and mitigate drug and narcotics trafficking into the U.S.. It urges the President to work with Congress to combat the spread of illegal drugs.

The Trump administration has not provided, to Congress or the American people, sufficient evidence, legal basis, or a clear military objective for the recent strikes in the Caribbean. The resolution outlines ways that the President can meaningfully work with Congress to fight drug and narcotics trafficking, including through the use of intelligence, law enforcement, personnel, detection technology, and diplomatic efforts. 

Congressman Crow’s House resolution was also introduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the U.S. Senate.

This resolution builds on Congressman Crow’s longstanding work to prevent war and keep drugs off our streets. He has been vocal about the need for Congress to re-assert its authority over the use of military force, and serves as the top Democrat on the bipartisan Cartel Task Force within the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. This bipartisan task force is working to identify legislative actions that can combat the threat from dangerous cartels in the Western Hemisphere, including narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, the arms trade, and other illegal and destabilizing activities.