Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on President Obama’s proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):

“I am pleased that the President has finally taken the important step of proposing an AUMF to the Congress. However, I have deep concerns about aspects of this proposed authorization, including limitations placed on the constitutional authority of the commander-in-chief, the failure to articulate an objective for the use of military force, and a narrow definition of strategy that seeks to separate the fight against ISIL from the underlying conflict in Syria and the Assad regime’s responsibility for this growing terrorist threat. This is a recipe for failure.

“This conflict will outlast President Obama’s time in office. The Congress must now carry out its constitutional responsibilities. Through hearings and robust oversight, we must carefully examine the objectives of this AUMF and the strategy to achieve them. After a vigorous and respectful process of debate and amendment, the Congress must provide necessary authorities to defeat this brutal enemy.

“I have long supported the President’s stated goal to ‘degrade and ultimately destroy’ ISIL. But doing so will require a more coherent, comprehensive strategy, and a recognition that ISIL is a symptom of the disease spawned by Bashar Assad’s war on the Syrian people – both of which have been missing from the Obama Administration’s approach to date.

“Authorizing the use of military force is among the most solemn constitutional duties of the Congress. I look forward to a robust debate worthy of the task before us.”

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