Senator Schumer: Repeal the 2002 AUMF!

For 20 years, our troops have been serving and sacrificing in Iraq – one of the biggest military blunders in American history. The 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force that helped enable that war is long overdue for a repeal. 

The 2002 AUMF sanctioned a “shock and awe” campaign and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. That happened. Additionally, all key enemies whom the 2002 AUMF was drafted to defeat are dead and buried. No ongoing military operations rely on the 2002 AUMF as their primary legal justification. 

So why is this authorization still on the books?

Repeal of the 2002 AUMF would represent a modest but nonetheless historic step toward congressional reclamation of its constitutional prerogative to initiate, oversee, and ultimately end foreign conflicts. It would also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who have and continue to serve in the country.

As you are aware, Senators Kaine and Young have advanced a bill to repeal the 2002 AUMF. I thank you for your hard work helping to bring together a broad bipartisan coalition of votes in support of this bill. I look forward to seeing you bring it to a vote, and the successful passage of this historically important legislation.