Congressman Adam Kinzinger has a new resolution to defend Ukraine.
The Illinois Republican introduced an authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) resolution on Sunday. It would give President Biden the authority to use U.S. forces in Ukraine if Russia uses “chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.”
An official statement from Kinzinger’s office reads:
In making this announcement first on CBS’ Face the Nation—and following Secretary of State Blinken’s appearance in front of the House Foreign Affairs Committee last week—Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:
“After World War II, America made our position clear—our commitment to freedom put autocrats on the defense and strengthened democracies around the world. In the last decade, we have seen this determination waver and tyrants, like Vladimir Putin, have exploited those vulnerabilities. Today, America has an opportunity to re-affirm our support to freedom-seeking people and firmly stand up to authoritarianism. After speaking with Secretary Blinken and hearing his grave concerns over Putin’s use of chemical weapons, I’m confident that the United States will show the international community that we will not stand for senseless violence. My staff and I look forward to following up with Secretary Blinken to ensure Russia is held accountable for any and all violations to international law.
“We know millions of Ukrainians are displaced, thousands have been killed, and the damage that continues to besiege them is utterly inhumane. The targeting of civilians, mass executions, and countless reports of rape by Russian forces have gone largely unchecked. We must take action to put a stop to these atrocities. Words matter, but so do our actions.
Kinzinger called his resolution a “clear red line” in Ukraine.
Then-President George W. Bush received the green light to conduct military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq through similar authorizations for use of military force in 2001 and 2002.
There was widespread support for both measures. Indeed, only one representative, Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), voted against the Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2001.
More recently, members of both parties have opposed authorizations that allow presidents to wage war without debate. In 2014, the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee voted to adopt an amendment from Lee that would force Congress to debate and vote on a new war authorization that would rescind some of the authority granted by Congress to the president in 2001.
Newsweek adds:
Accusations and rumors have swirled throughout the conflict that Russia may turn to WMDs if it grows desperate in the conflict. Moscow has been widely condemned in recent years over credible accusations that it deployed such weapons against rebel groups and civilians in Syria as it militarily propped up the embattled government in Damascus.
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Newsweek reached out to the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s press representatives and the Russian embassy for comment.
After Putin launched the assault on Ukraine, the U.S. and its NATO allies responded quickly with harsh sanctions targeting the Russian economy and Moscow elite. Those sanctions have been ramped up repeatedly over the course of the war, as the U.S. and NATO countries have transferred billions of dollars in weapons and humanitarian aid to support Ukraine in its defense.
However, the Biden administration has resisted establishing red lines when it comes to Ukraine, although the president has been clear that any Russian attack against a NATO ally would result in a response from the U.S. Under NATO’s charter, an attack on any of the alliance’s 30 members is considered an attack against all. While Ukraine has aspirations to join NATO, with its Constitution requiring the country’s leaders to seek to join, it is not a formal member of the alliance.
Kinzinger introduced his resolution around the same time House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) arrived in Kyiv.
Pelosi is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Ukraine. She and her colleagues met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Our Members were proud to deliver the message that additional American support is on the way, as we work to transform President Biden’s strong funding request into a legislative package,” a statement from the congressional delegation added.
Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.
Wonder why crybaby Adam has been pounding the war drums so hard. Everything he says to do will put us in direct conflict with Russia. When nukes are in play it’s no place for stupid actions.
Well Kinzinger, talk is cheap.
I hope you are willing to lead our troops against the Russians, front row.
Kinsinger is lacking any functioning brain power. If he wants troops on the ground, put him in uniform and send him first.
He may be a Republican in Illinois but he is a far left liberal in neighboring Missouri. He fooled the folks in his District running as a Republican and it got him to Washington. Dems. can rely on him. You folks might make this his last term.
Adam Kinzinger has never been a Republican, period. He fooled his constituency and he should be thrown out of the Party. He will never win another election. But, he will do as much damage as he can!
Send our guys in under the command of THIS administration!!!? I hope not.
That stinking RINO’s boots had better be the first on the ground. He will never get elected again in Illinois, although he really is a democrat in disguise