# Plain Language Summary: Authorization for Use of Military Force to Defend America's Allies Resolution of 2022

This bill would give the President the power to use the U.S. military to defend Ukraine if Russia uses chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons there. Essentially, it's a pre-approved authorization that says: if Russia crosses this specific line by deploying weapons of mass destruction in Ukrainian territory, the President doesn't need to ask Congress for permission before sending American armed forces to respond. The President would need to make a determination that peaceful options alone won't protect American interests or help restore Ukraine's territory, and then notify Congress within 48 hours of taking military action.

The bill includes some built-in safeguards to keep Congress in the loop. The President must report to Congress every 60 days about what military actions have been taken and what's being planned next. The authorization isn't open-ended either—it automatically expires once the President certifies that Ukraine's territorial integrity has been restored, meaning the war is essentially over. The bill also follows the War Powers Resolution, which is the existing law that governs how the President can use military force without a formal declaration of war.

For everyday Americans, this bill essentially means Congress is saying in advance: "If Russia uses weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine, we're giving the President the green light to respond militarily without waiting for us to debate and vote on it." It's a way of drawing a clear red line and pre-authorizing a response to the most extreme escalation, rather than leaving the President to act without any legal authorization or requiring a lengthy congressional process during a potential crisis.

Authorization for Use of Military Force to defend America’s Allies Resolution of 2022

Kinzinger, Adam

Authorization for Use of Military Force to defend America's Allies Resolution of 2022 This joint resolution authorizes the President, upon making a determination that Russia has used chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in the territory of Ukraine, to use the Armed Forces as necessary and appropriate to (1) protect U.S. national security interests with respect to Ukraine, and (2) assist in defending and restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine. No later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, the President shall make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate the President's determination that reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (1) will not adequately protect U.S. national security interests with respect to Ukraine, or (2) is not likely to defend and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity.