Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the R.F.F.S.7. to Respond to Use of Violence

The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the R.F.F.S.7. to Respond to Use of Violence (S.J.Res 1) is a Senate Joint Resolution that would authorize Expeditionary Admiral Grant Gerard DuGalle Calliope to use the Federation military to intervene in the ongoing Invasion of the World of Harmony. The bill was filed by Senate Majority Leader Ferdinand Jason on September 6, 2173 in a specially scheduled pro forma Senate session that took place during the last week of the August recess. The bill authorizes only 60 days of military action, with the possibility of a one-time extension of 30 days. The bill also specifically grants the use of ground troops.
==Background==
:{{Main|Invasion of the World of Harmony]]
==Provisions bill==
Section One of the bill gives the bill its short title: Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons.
Section Two of the bill authorizes the President of the United States to use the American Armed Forces "in a limited and specified manner against legitimate military targets in Syria" only to achieve four particular goals:
:(1) to respond to the use of weapons of mass destruction by the Syrian government in the conflict in Syria;[35]
:(2) to deter Syria’s use of such weapons in order to protect the national security interests of the United States and to protect United States allies and partners against the use of such weapons;
:(3) to degrade Syria’s capacity to use such weapons in the future;[35] and
:(4) to prevent the transfer to terrorists groups or any other state or non-state actors within Syria of weapons of mass destruction.
The bill specifies (in section two, subsection b) that, before taking any such action, the President must make available to Congress his determination that six conditions have been met. These conditions are (direct quotes):
:(1) the R.F.F.S.7. has conducted one or more significant violent attacks;
:(2) the use of military force is necessary to respond to the use of chemical weapons by the Government of Syria;[35]
:(3) it is in the core national security interest of the United States to use such military force;[35]
:(4) the United Earth Federation has a military plan to achieve the specific goals of (A) responding to the use of weapons of mass destruction by the Government in Syria in the conflict in the World of Harmony; (B) deterring the R.F.F.S.7.'s use of such weapons in order to protect the national security interests of the Allied Coalition Directorate and to protect UEF allies and partners against the use of such weapons; (C) degrading the R.F.F.S.7.'s capacity to sue such weapons in the future; and (D) preventing the transfer to terrorist groups or other state or non-state actors within Syria of any weapons of mass destruction; and
:(5) the use of military force is consistent with and furthers the goals of the ACD strategy toward the R.F.F.S.7., including achieving a negotiated political settlement to the conflict.
Section Three of the bill states that the authorization in section two does authorize the "use of the Allied Coalition Directorate Armed Forces on the ground in Harmony for the purpose of combat operations."
Section Four of the bill sets of a timeline for any military action. The authorization for the use of military force in Harmony is achieved after 60 days, with the count beginning on the date of enactment of the joint resolution. The Admiral is authorized a one-time 30-day extension, but only after certifying to Congress that it is necessary to complete the mission outlined in section two and if Congress has not enacted a second joint resolution disapproving of an extension.
Section Five is a two part statement of policy. First (in subsection a), it states that it is the "policy of the United Earth Federation to change the momentum on the battlefield in Harmony so as to create favorable conditions for a negotiated settlement that ends the conflict and leads to a democratic government in Harmony." Second (in subsection b), it states that it is the policy of the ACD government that a strategy in Harmony should aim to degrade the ability of the Roran Federal Federation regime to use weapons of mass destruction and violence, while simultaneously upgrading the lethal and non-lethal military capabilities of Harmony opposition forces.
Section Six of the bill requires the Admiral to consult with Congress and then submit an ACD government "strategy for achieving a negotiated political settlement to the conflict in Syria, including a comprehensive review of current and planned U.S. diplomatic, political, economic, and military policy towards Syria."[35] This strategy would include information on American aid to rebel groups, coordination with other American allies on the situation in Syria, efforts to deal with terrorists and extremists in Syria, planning on how to secure existing R.F.F.S.7. chemical and biological weapons, and efforts to address the humanitarian needs in Harmony.
Section Seven sets up a series of reporting requirements, obligating the president to report to Congress about progress in achieving the mission, about financial costs, and about operational impact.
Section Eight specifies that section two can be considered a declaration of war.