Support the Commander in Chief, the Troops on the Ground, and Victory in Iraq and the Global War on Terror

Letter sent to House members received via the RSC update email:

Dear Colleague,

As you know, Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution states that "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States." When the Framers of the Constitution placed the responsibilities of Commander in Chief within the executive branch of the federal government, they did so for a reason: to ensure that the wars fought by the United States would be waged through a rational, hierarchical chain of military command.

Recognizing his role and responsibility as Commander in Chief, last month President Bush announced a new strategy for Iraq, one that calls for the addition of 21,500 combat troops to the American force in Iraq to help quell sectarian violence in and around Baghdad. Although the Constitution clearly delegates the responsibility of determining the strategy for war to the president as Commander in Chief, a number of members of this body and the Senate have called for the passage of non-binding and binding measures aimed at undercutting the President’s new plan and undermining his constitutional responsibilities as Commander in Chief.

In an effort to counterbalance the destructive rhetoric and actions of some of our fellow legislators, I will be introducing a resolution to reaffirm the authority of President Bush as Commander in Chief and lend the encouragement and support of the House to the military commanders and soldiers on the ground in Iraq who have devised and will carry out this new strategy. Specifically, my resolution supports the President’s new strategy in Iraq and expresses the commitment of this body to victory in Iraq and the Global War on Terror. In addition, it highlights the importance of success in this historic fight for the safety and security of the American people and the preservation of the American way of life.

The deadline for original co-sponsorship of this resolution is 2:00, Tuesday, February 6th. If you would liked to become an original cosponsor, or if you would like additional information, please contact Bentley Graves at bentley.graves@mail.house.gov or 5-4426.

Sincerely,

s/

STEVE KING
Member of Congress