IIA 115th CONGRESS 2d Session S. J. RES. 61 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2018 Mr. Merkley introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations JOINT RESOLUTION To authorize the use of military force in Iraq and Afghanistan against the Taliban, al Qaeda, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in order to protect the United States, its territories, and the homeland from attack.

Whereas it is appropriate for Congress to assert its power under Article I of the Constitution of the United States to declare war, raise and support armies, and maintain an army; Whereas nothing in this joint resolution supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution ( 50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.); Whereas the Framers of the Constitution, as outlined in Federalist No. 69, explained the difference between the authorities of the President under the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief and the power of Congress under the Constitution to declare war; and Whereas the Framers of the Constitution were concerned that vesting too much war-making power in the President would cause the nation to become involved hastily or unwisely in war: Now, therefore, be it