WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding reports that committee Chair Ed Royce will convene listening sessions for Republican committee members to discuss an authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) for the fight against ISIS:

“I understand that Chairman Royce is working with Republican members to discuss a new authorization for the fight against ISIS.  I held a similar meeting with Democratic members last year and will continue to solicit input and consider options.  Congress has a responsibility and a constitutional obligation to authorize the use of force.  We need to give the Obama Administration what it needs to fight ISIS, while at the same time preventing another large-scale commitment of American forces or an open-ended conflict in the Middle East.  I hope to work with Chairman Royce toward a sensible, bipartisan measure that will help achieve these aims.”

###