VIDEO: Young Continues Leadership Calling for Military Authorization Targeting ISIS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) continued pushing for Congress to pass a new authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against ISIS. 

“One of the best ways for Congress to support our troops and show resolve to our enemies is to pass a well-formulated AUMF. That’s why I introduced AUMF legislation targeting ISIS earlier this year,” said Senator Young. “I stand ready to work with members of both parties to ensure Congress exercises this important Constitutional responsibility.”

In response to questions from Senator Young, Secretary Mattis reiterated that the United States must have the ability to detain enemy combatants for the duration of hostilities. Mattis also said he supports an effort in a new AUMF to eliminate any uncertainty regarding enemy combatant detention. Senator Young’s AUMF contains such a provision. 

During the hearing, Secretaries Tillerson and Mattis laid out three criteria for an optimally designed new AUMF.  During the hearing, Senator Young noted that his Senate Joint Resolution (S.J.RES.31) meets all three.

Senator Young has been outspoken on the need for an AUMF, penning an op-ed for Real Clear Defense and delivering a speech to the Heritage Foundation on this issue. 

Watch Senator Young’s questions from today’s hearing by clicking here or the image below.