Rep. Adam Kinzinger introduces resolution authorizing use of military if Russia escalates war in Ukraine

Republican congressional Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) this week as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine escalates.

The resolution would authorize the president to put boots on the ground in Ukraine if Russia uses chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in its assault on its neighbor. 

“After World War II, America made our position clear—our commitment to freedom put autocrats on the defense and strengthened democracies around the world. In the last decade, we have seen this determination waver and tyrants, like Vladimir Putin, have exploited those vulnerabilities,” said Kinzinger in a statement. “Today, America has an opportunity to re-affirm our support to freedom-seeking people and firmly stand up to authoritarianism.”

“I’m introducing this AUMF as a clear redline so the Administration can take appropriate action should Russia use chemical, biological, and/or nuclear weapons. We must stand up for humanity and we must stand with our allies,” Kinzinger said.

“As the President of the United States has said, Putin must be stopped. Accordingly, the Commander in Chief to the world’s greatest military should have the authority and means to take the necessary actions to do so.”

Kinzinger first announced he would be introducing the resolution on CBS’ Face the Nation this weekend, telling host Margaret Brennan, “I don’t think we need to be using force in Ukraine right now.”

He then added, “I just introduced an AUMF, an authorization for the use of military force, giving the president basically congressional leverage for permission to use it if WMDs [weapons of mass destruction], nuclear, biological or chemical are used in Ukraine.”

“Doesn’t compel the president to do it. It just says, if it is used, he has that leverage. It gives him, you know, a better flexibility, but also it is a deterrent to Vladimir Putin,” Kinzinger said.