The 1991 AUMF was passed to authorize the use of military force during Operation Desert Storm – which ended over 30 years ago. It has not been used since then.
In 2002, Congress passed another AUMF, authorizing use of our military forces against the regime of Saddam Hussein. Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003 and the original U.S. mission in Iraq was formally ended in 2011.
Neither of these AUMFs authorize any ongoing operations.
Keeping these outdated authorizations on the books could enable more “forever wars” and policies that needlessly endanger American lives, waste taxpayer dollars, and distract from other, more pressing priorities. They should be repealed.
Repealing them will remove the ability for any continued abuse of the authorizations, begin to restore Congress’ role in matters of war and peace, and force more Congressional debate over when, if, and (most importantly) why we send American troops into harm’s way.
We need Congress to reassert its role in authorizing the use of military force, ensuring our country fights only the wars that are necessary to keep us safe — and to stop giving the executive branch free rein to entangle America in new conflicts.
Sign the letter and tell your Senators to support repeal of these authorizations and begin to correct the constitutional imbalance in matters of war and peace!