Tillerson and Mattis tell Senate panel no need for new war authorization
Jim Mattis
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson testify about authorizations for the use of military force before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Oct. 30. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis also told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that any attempt to place time limits or geographical constraints in a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force could cripple efforts to fight terrorists.
Laws enacted in 2001 and 2002 gave the military the legal authority to fight international terrorism. Even though the United States is fighting groups that didn’t exist back then  including the Islamic State  the legal basis remains sound   Mattis  said.  He  urged Congress not to repeal existing law  at least without a new authorization already in place.
“The uncertainty accompanying that situation could only signal to our enemies and our friends that we are backing away from this fight ”  he  said. “It would stall our operations  immediately reduce allied commitments and support  and create significant opportunities for our enemies to seize the initiative.”
Defense Secretary [TGT] and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson testify about authorizations for the use of military force before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Oct. 30. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary [TGT] also told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that any attempt to place time limits or geographical constraints in a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force could cripple efforts to fight terrorists.
Laws enacted in 2001 and 2002 gave the military the legal authority to fight international terrorism. Even though the United States is fighting groups that didn’t exist back then  including the Islamic State  the legal basis remains sound   Mattis  said.  He  urged Congress not to repeal existing law  at least without a new authorization already in place.
“The uncertainty accompanying that situation could only signal to our enemies and our friends that we are backing away from this fight ”  he  said. “It would stall our operations  immediately reduce allied commitments and support  and create significant opportunities for our enemies to seize the initiative.”