A floor vote on a Congressional resolution ordering U.S. troop removal from Syria “may be considered” this Wednesday, March 8, according to the House legislative calendar released today by the office of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
This War Powers Act resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 21 (H.Con.Res.21) was introduced late last week by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. This replaces his earlier H.Con.Res.20. The language is the same, but with a change in the time mandated for the troops’ withdrawal. All Representatives will be accountable for their votes. (https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hconres21/BILLS-118hconres21ih.pdf )
H.Con.Res.21 reads: “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Syria. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from Syria by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the adoption of this concurrent resolution.”
This gives any Representatives who voted for the heinous re-affirmation of the deadly Caesar sanctions against Syria on Feb. 27, by a vote of 414-2, the chance to show they have a scintilla of humanity and can begin to undo their crime. The sudden trip of Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the U.S. occupation zone in Syria March 4 to reaffirm U.S. troop presence there, puts the issue in a spotlight on the eve of the Congressional vote. The combination of sanctions and occupation has the undeclared aim and actual effect of turning Syria into a death camp.
The Congressional switchboard, to reach all offices in the House of Representatives, is 202-224-3121.
