Kaine: Congress Has Not Earned Right To Criticize ISIL Strategy Until AUMF Passed

During a Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on U.S. policy in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) challenged his colleagues to hold a debate on a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against ISIL. Kaine, a leading voice for passing a new AUMF, noted that the U.S. has begun its 10 month of engagement in the conflict without the Senate or House holding one vote on either floor to authorize the war. He argued that Congress is doing a disservice to the troops, who are risking their lives every day overseas, by not defining the mission's scope and authorizing Operation Inherent Resolve.