I do not believe that terminating the AUMF is a good idea.

It sure would give me a lot more comfort to feel like where he is sent, whether I agree with the policy or not, that he is being sent wherever in harm's way only if both Congress and the executive branch agree and have seriously thought about the need for that.

How do we breathe life into the principle of Congress having the power to declare war and the President having the power to prosecute it in this kind of new set of circumstances?

I feel very strongly that every 12 years or so, it is time to engage and figure out whether you agree with the scope of the----

Congress is given not only the power to declare war but a wide range of associated powers.

I would be joining Senator Inhofe as to who would be first in line to object to an abuse of this authority.

I just do not like the idea of reading a 12-year-old document so broadly that it renders the congressional authority and the importance of congressional authority for using military force abroad of no force and effect.

The President has authority to put boots-on-the-ground in Yemen or the Congo under this Act.

Senator McCain was absolutely right. It refers to the people who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks on September 11.

I am just concerned that reading essentially vitiates the congressional power to declare war.

I guess the definition proves too much because it basically is unlimited.

You guys have essentially rewritten the Constitution here today.

What I am saying is we may need new authority, but if you expand this to the extent that you have, it is meaningless.

I have only been here 5 months, but this is the most astounding and the most astoundingly disturbing hearing that I have been to since I have been here.

My concern is about open-ended authority to the executive to wage war and send our people into harm's way.

If the nature of al Qaeda core on September 11, 2001, does emerge, then by all means return to Congress and request a narrowly tailored authorization to use force to address that.

I do not disagree that we need to fight terrorism, but we need to do it in a constitutionally sound way.

I believe that fighting terrorism is an absolute paramount responsibility of this Government and this President or any President.