WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the announcement from the Obama Administration that it intends to introduce U.S Special Operations Forces into Syria, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement today:

“For far too long, Congress has stood by while U.S. forces have conducted operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria – and today’s announcement will very likely put more U.S. personnel directly in harm’s way. It’s Congress’ Constitutional duty to consider and debate the AUMF submitted by the Administration last year,” Senator King said. “While no one believes that Congress should handcuff the President’s ability to fight terrorism and protect the American people, it would be a mistake to allow this to turn into an American-led ground war, and the fact that the Administration plans to introduce U.S. Special Operations Forces in Syria only underscores the need for Congress to constructively weigh in through an AUMF.”

Senator King joined MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss the announcement. To watch the interview, click HERE.

Currently, the Administration is justifying American engagement against ISIL under the 2001 AUMF, which was passed by Congress following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as under the 2002 AUMF that authorized the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Administration’s proposal for a new authorization was submitted to Congress in February 2015 but Congress has not acted on it.

Senator King has consistently expressed concern about the scope of the 2001 AUMF and has urged his colleagues and the Administration to take action to bring it in line with current requirements. In remarks on the Senate floor last December, Senator King urged his colleagues to specifically authorize the mission against ISIL.

In January 2014, Senator King joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) to introduce the War Powers Consultation Act of 2014, legislation that would strengthen the consultative process between Congress and the President on whether and when to engage in military action.

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