Hakeem Jeffries Statement on Donald Trump's unilateral military action in Iran.

[Dreamer Tatum]

47. Quick summary of Obama's bypassing of Congress for strikes

President Barack Obama authorized several military actions during his presidency that raised questions about bypassing Congress. Here are the most notable instances:

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### **1. Libya (2011)**
Obama launched airstrikes in Libya as part of a NATO-led intervention to prevent a humanitarian crisis during the Libyan civil war. He did **not seek congressional authorization**, instead citing a United Nations Security Council resolution and humanitarian concerns. Critics argued this violated the **War Powers Resolution**, which requires congressional approval for sustained military action beyond 60 days.

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### **2. Iraq and Syria (2014–2016)**
In response to the rise of ISIS, Obama ordered airstrikes in Iraq and later expanded them into Syria. He **relied on the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)**—originally passed to target al-Qaeda after 9/11—as legal justification. Many lawmakers and legal scholars argued this was a stretch, since ISIS did not exist in 2001 and had split from al-Qaeda.

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### **3. Yemen and Somalia (Drone Strikes)**
Obama significantly expanded the use of **drone strikes** in countries like Yemen and Somalia, targeting suspected terrorists. These operations were often conducted **without specific congressional approval**, under the broader umbrella of counterterrorism and the 2001 AUMF. The lack of transparency and oversight drew criticism from both human rights groups and members of Congress.

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### **4. Iraq (2014 Airstrikes Against ISIS)**
In 2014, Obama authorized airstrikes in Iraq to protect U.S. personnel and humanitarian missions. He again **did not seek new congressional authorization**, instead citing his constitutional powers as Commander in Chief and the 2001 AUMF.

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These actions reflect a broader trend in U.S. foreign policy where presidents—both Democratic and Republican—have increasingly relied on **executive authority and outdated AUMFs** to conduct military operations without new congressional approval.