Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, United States Representative Darren Soto urged President Joe Biden “to follow the Constitution and the law” and receive Congressional authorization before involving U.S. forces in the Russia-Ukraine war. President Biden has repeatedly said publicly he will not commit any U.S. troops to the war in Ukraine, but will defend all NATO allies.
“The American people deserve to have a say before we become involved in yet another foreign conflict,” Rep. Soto said about the Russia crisis.
The letter was signed by 43 members of Congress, including far-right members like Rep. Matt Gaetz and progressive “squad” members like Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Cori Bush. Rep. Soto was the only member from Central Florida to sign on to the letter, as Orlando Reps. Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy were not included on this letter. Separately, Rep. Demings praised Russian sanctions, but did call for targeting Putin directly.
“We write to reassert the war powers vested in Congress under the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973,” the Congressional letter begins.
The letter also stated “the War Powers Resoltuion would clearly require congressional authorization before the President may command U.S. Armed Forces to engage in hostilities.” The letter is also clear that the War Powers Resolution does not require any additional authorization for the U.S. to advise and assist missions that do not involve hostilities, so these members of Congress are not calling for cutting off all support during the war.
While they acknowledge President Biden has rejected calls to use U.S. forces in Ukraine before the invasion, some members of Congress want additional reassurances. President Biden has also clearly stated after the invasion that he will still not involve U.S. troops.
“You must also receive congressional approval before initiating any pre-emptive strike,” they wrote.
