WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Armed Services Committee, voted with a bipartisan group of 65 colleagues to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs). If passed by the House and signed by the President, the bill would formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars, and reassert Congress’ Constitutional role in committing our country to war.

The 1991 and 2002 AUMFs—which passed 32 and 20 years ago, respectively—authorized the use of force for the Gulf and Iraq wars, but Congress has failed to repeal these AUMFs in spite of the end of hostilities in the region. This bill would also enhance the relationship the United States now has with a sovereign, democratic Iraq.

“Our country owes it to our servicemembers, our veterans, and our military families to make thoughtful decisions that best protect the national security interests of the United States. That is why the Constitution clearly dictates that Congress, a legislative body representing the people, has the sole power to declare war,” said Senator King. “More than thirty years later, it’s clear that leaving the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs on the books is inconsistent with this fundamental division of power that was carefully and deliberately crafted by our founders. Americans expect and deserve more than conflicts set on autopilot; these two designations are no longer necessary, serve no operational purpose, and run the risk of being misused. This repeal is long past-due and I am glad the Senate voted to terminate what could be interpreted as open-ended authority for war.”

The Senate bill is cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rand Paul (R-KY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mike Braun (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

The House bill is cosponsored by Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05), and Harriet Hageman (R-WY-At-Large).

Full text of the bill is available here.

###