Is The U.S. Congress Working On A New Authorization For U.S. Military Operations In The Middle East?

The U.S. Capitol Building is pictured in Washington, February 27, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Reed

Politico: Administration sends mixed signals on Trump’s war powers

The Trump administration sent mixed messages Wednesday about a new authorization for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, encouraging senators to work on one while also deeming it unnecessary.

The administration first asserted in a letter to lawmakers that Congress' 2001 war authorization covers its current military presence in the region, including the U.S. airstrikes against Syrian government-backed forces in May and June.

But in a classified briefing with senators later on Wednesday with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis, Mattis in particular reiterated his longstanding interest in a new authorization, according to senators in both parties — as long as lawmakers didn't try to excessively rein in the Pentagon.

Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are leading a push for a new authorization in the upper chamber, while House Republican leaders last month headed off a bipartisan bid to repeal the 2001 authorization.

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WNU Editor: The current war authorization act was passed in 2001 .... it is time for a review.