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No Troops in Ukraine Without Congressional Approval, Say Lawmakers

An issue that unites Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D–N.Y.) and Matt Gaetz (R–Fla.)?This unlikely couple is part of a bipartisan group demanding President Joe Biden get congressional approval before directly engaging U.S. forces in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Biden hasn’t indicated that he would like U.S. troops involved. Biden has repeatedly stated the exact opposite. In December, the president stated that military action was “not on the agenda”. Biden stated in January that “there is no American force moving into Ukraine.” Biden repeated the same sentiment on February 15, “I won’t send American servicemen fighting in Ukraine.”

In times of crisis, however, it is possible for things to change rapidly. The U.S. has a poor track record in this area. (Congress hasn’t officially declared war on the United States since World War II. Preemptively establishing the expectation that Biden will get approval from Congress in this instance is a positive thing.

According to 43 U.S. Congressmen, “The American people and their representatives in Congress deserve to have an say before U.S. forces are placed into harm’s path or the U.S. becomes embroiled in yet another foreign war.” This was written in February 22, 2012. letterBiden

Ayanna Presley (Mass.) and Ilhan Omar (Minn.), among others, signed the letter.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) and Republican Reps. Thomas Massie (Ken.Louie Gohmert, Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Andy Biggs(Ariz.).

It seems like there’s an exception to the rule that strong bipartisan ideas are the worst!

Their letter begins: “As your evaluate the possible action you take to resolve the conflict between Russia, Ukraine,” they write.

“If the ongoing situation compels you to introduce the brave men and women of our military into Ukraine … we ask that your decisions comport with the Constitution and our nation’s laws by consulting with Congress to receive authorization before any such deployment,” it goes on. It is important to note that a Russian imminent or active attack could force you under Section 8 (c) to obtain specific congressional authorization if your plan to withdraw any U.S. personnel, advisers, and trainers from areas of imminent or ongoing hostilities. A pre-emptive strike must be approved by Congress.

The lawmakers concluded that “the American people should have a voice before U.S. soldiers are put in harm’s way (sic), or the U.S. gets involved in another foreign conflict.”

Now, the Biden administration calls Russia’s actions against Ukraine “invasion” while Donald Trump refers to them as “genius”.Jon Finer, chief deputy national security advisor, stated on Tuesday that the “invasion” is underway. An invasion is an invasion, and this is exactly what we are experiencing.

Biden also announced economic sanctions for Russia on Tuesday afternoon.

Here are Trump’s thoughts on the matter:

Trump does not sound real. Approve of the invasion—”this never would have happened … had I been in office,” he says. However, he admires Vladimir Putin’s bravado. He calls Putin’s description of the invasion to be a peacekeeping operation to recognize eastern Ukrainian independence “genius” while Putin is “very savvy.”


FREE MINDS

Republican senator Rick Scott (Fla.), created a new policy plan that covers all aspects of the party. While containing some good ideas—”Nation-building does not work, we will not waste our treasure or troops doing it”; “we will drastically simplify the tax code”; “we will enact equal opportunity in education (school choice)”—a lot of it hovers somewhere betweenNot great, terrible, or utter gibberish.

A plank, for example, states “we will make it an offense for any prosecutor including the US Department of Justice to pursue prosecutions based on political ideologies.” The plan further declares “socialism” as “a foreign combatant that aims at destroying our prosperity and freedom.”

This site contains all the information.


FREE MARKETS

Are entrepreneurs able to be made to take part in the same-sex marriage ceremonies?This is the truth Once againThe U.S. Supreme Court. The Court accepted Tuesday’s offer to listen. 303 Creative LLC v. ElenisThis is a case about a website designing firm that refuses to make sites for heterosexual weddings. Refusing to do so, however, would put the firm—303 Creative—in violation of Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act. There is a reasonScott Shackford, a journalist for the BBC, wrote yesterday about this case:

Smith claims that although she doesn’t refuse to service LGBT customers, she can not create websites “that promote messages contrary to religion, such as messages condoning violence, sexual immorality or same-sex marital relationships.” According to Smith’s petition to the Supreme Court, Smith counters by stating that Smith isn’t refusing to do so. The Tenth Circuit United States Court of Appeals has sided with the Colorado Civil Rights Division. It ruled that the law had been neutrally applied, and was not too broad or unconstitutionally vague. Colorado may legally demand Smith that gay weddings be hosted on their sites. She could also have to post a statement on her website saying she will not because of her religious beliefs.

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QUICK HITS

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