Dem Rep.: Congress ‘Abdicating’ Constitutional Power by Leaving D.C. Without Authorizing War

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., today said Congress is “absolutely” abdicating its constitutional power to declare war by leaving Washington, D.C., without authorizing war in either Iraq or Syria.

Appearing on “Fox News Sunday” with host Chris Wallace, Schiff criticized the legislative body for relying on an authorization of military force from 2001, which has been the Obama administration’s justification for involvement in the two Middle Eastern countries as part of its plan to combat ISIS, the brutal terrorist group also known as the Islamic State and ISIL.

The California Democrat noted that the power to declare war is solely designated to Congress and said the body is “abdicating our responsibility.” Schiff also criticized the Obama administration for using the 2001 AUMF and said it’s a “different conflict against a different enemy at a different time.”

At President Obama’s behest, lawmakers voted to approve $500 million in funding to arm and train Syrian rebels late last week. Congress then recessed until after the midterm elections in November.

In the lead-up to the vote on the funding, Schiff, as well as both Democrats and Republicans, expressed skepticism toward fulfilling the president’s request.

“It’s an abdication of constitutional dimension,” he told Wallace.

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