President Obama Sends War Powers Letter to Congress Regarding 300 Troops Headed to Cameroon

Today, President Barack Obama sent a War Powers letter to Congress noting that as of October 12, 2015, approximately 90 U.S. Armed Forces personnel began deploying to Cameroon "with the consent of the Government of Cameroon." According to the letter, the deployment is in "furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests" consonant with Article II powers of the president. The letter notes that the forces will "conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region." A total of 300 troops will be deployed.

You can read the full letter below.

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE

October 14, 2015

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

On October 12, 2015, approximately 90 U.S. Armed Forces personnel began deploying to Cameroon with the consent of the Government of Cameroon. This deployment is in advance of the deployment of additional U.S. Armed Forces personnel to Cameroon to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region. The total number of U.S. military personnel to be deployed to Cameroon is anticipated to be up to approximately 300. These forces are equipped with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security, and they will remain in Cameroon until their support is no longer needed.

I directed the deployment of U.S. forces in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.

I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA