Outgoing Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced a resolution in Congress that would authorize direct U.S. military force against Russia if the vast nuclear power is determined, by the governments of the U.S. and other Western countries, to have used chemical, biological or nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
If passed by Congress, Kinzinger’s resolution would give Joe Biden the authorization to allow the US to directly attack Russian military forces in Ukraine – a development that some have said could kickstart World War Three and a potential, globally devastating nuclear conflict between the U.S. and Russia.
“I don’t think we need to be using force in Ukraine right now. 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 [weapons of mass destruction] — nuclear, biological or chemical — are used in Ukraine,” Kinzinger on Sunday told CBS’ “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan.
“Prior to World War II, there were moments nobody ever wanted to get involved and eventually came to realize they had to,” said Kinzinger.
“I hope we don’t get to that point here, but we should be ready if we do.”
According to Kinzinger, who has called for further U.S. military escalation in Ukraine, the resolution isn’t intended to “compel the president to [use military force].”
“It just says if [WMDs are] used, he has that leverage. It gives him a better flexibility, but also it is a deterrent to Vladimir Putin,” the congressman said.
“I’m introducing this AUMF as a clear redline so @POTUS can take appropriate action if Russia uses chemical, biological, and/or nuclear weapons. We must stand up for humanity and we must stand with our allies,” Kinzinger’s office wrote in a statement.
Congress passed an AUMF immediately following the September 11th attacks and once more in 2002 for Iraq.
Last year Kinzinger said he did not intend to run for reelection after voting with Democrats to impeach 45th President Donald Trump after the events of January 6, 2021.
He is expected to become a political fundraiser, and has stated that his goal is to raise money to oppose candidates endorsed by Trump.
