Statement of Administration Policy: S.J. Res. 83 - A Joint Resolution to Direct the Removal of United States Armed Forces From Hostilities That Have Not Been Authorized by Congress

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(Senate)
(Sen. Schiff, D-CA and three cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes passage of S.J. Res. 83, a joint resolution that would direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against any foreign terrorist organization or specially designated global terrorist designated on or after February 20, 2025, engaged in the promotion, trafficking, or distribution of illegal drugs, and other related activities.

S.J. Res. 83 fails to account for the extraordinary national security and foreign policy threat posed by the violent drug trafficking cartels that the United States has designated as foreign terrorist organizations. These organizations have brought devastating consequences on American communities for decades, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of United States citizens and threatening our national security both at home and abroad. These organizations have evolved into complex structures with the financial means and paramilitary capabilities to operate with impunity, engaging in violence and terrorism that threaten the United States and destabilize other nations in our own Hemisphere.

In the face of the inability or unwillingness of some States in the region to address the continuing threat to the United States, President Trump directed the United States Armed Forces to take action to address this threat and protect our most vital national interests.

S.J. Res. 83 should be rejected as it would hinder the President's ability to address the imminent national security and foreign policy threats posed by violent drug-trafficking cartels.

If S.J. Res. 83 were presented to the President, his advisors would recommend that he veto the joint resolution.