Administration of Barack Obama, 2014

Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Deployment of United States Armed Forces Personnel to the Central African Republic

September 11, 2014

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

On September 10, 2014, approximately 20 U.S. Armed Forces personnel deployed to the Central African Republic to support the resumption of the activities of the U.S. Embassy in Bangui. This force was deployed along with U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security personnel for the purpose of protecting U.S. Embassy personnel and property. This force is expected to remain in the Central African Republic until it is replaced by an augmented U.S. Marine Security Guard Detachment and additional U.S. Department of State civilian security personnel as the security situation allows.

This action has been directed consistent with my responsibility to protect U.S. citizens both at home and abroad, and in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, 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 these actions.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

NOTE: Identical letters were sent to John A. Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Patrick J. Leahy, President pro tempore of the Senate.

Categories: Communications to Congress : Central African Republic, U.S. Armed Forces personnel, letter on deployment.

Subjects: Central African Republic, U.S. military detachment; Foreign policy, U.S. : Diplomatic security, strengthening efforts.

DCPD Number: DCPD201400657.