Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 10/2014

Making the Case: Congress Should Pass New Authorization for Use of Force Against ISIS

Mieke Eoyang, Peter Billerbeck

September 2014

Third Way

Abstract

Congress should pass a new, specific authorization for the President to act against ISIS. 1. ISIS represents a substantial threat, and left unchecked, could launch attacks against the US. 2. Because defeating ISIS will be a long-term effort, it is incumbent on Congress to pass a new authorization for the use of force. 3. Unlike previous authorizations, this one should be carefully tailored and come in the context of a broader strategy.