S.Amdt. 2990

SA 2990, submitted by Mr. Durbin, is an amendment to bill S. 2296, which deals with authorizations for military activities, construction, and energy defense for fiscal year 2026. The purpose of this amendment is to add a section titled "Sense of Congress on Compliance with the Law of War."

It aims to add a formal statement that the United States and its Armed Forces are bound by the law of war, including customary international law and treaties. The amendment emphasizes the following points:

• The U.S. is committed to principles of humanity, distinction, proportionality, and necessity.

• Compliance with these laws supports military effectiveness, political legitimacy, and public support.

• The protection of civilians is required, specifically prohibiting indiscriminate attacks or attacks directed at civilians and civilian objects.

• Military forces must take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and assume a person is a civilian if there is doubt.

• Minimizing civilian casualties helps maintain the support of vulnerable populations and partner governments, which is critical to national security.

• The U.S. often uses heightened policy standards for protecting civilians that go beyond the basic requirements of the law of war.