Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted to repeal the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. The 2002 AUMF provided broad leeway for the President to conduct war following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
“The United States remains constantly vigilant, maintains the strongest military, and has alliances around the world to identify and counter the ever-evolving threats of terrorism. However, it is long past time to end the 2002 AUMF in Iraq,” said Congressman Bishop. “The solemn responsibility to declare war lies with Congress, and an authorization for the use of military force is never meant to be open-ended, lest we lose focus or indulge in mission creep. Out of respect to those who have given their lives in the defense of our country as well as families across America who bear the personal and economic burden of war, we need to ensure that their sacrifices are not treated as a blank check to perpetuate endless conflict.”
Initially passed following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the 2002 AUMF has since been used to broadly prosecute military actions in countries across the Middle East. The nearly two-decade old war resolution was repealed by a bipartisan vote of 268-161 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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