On the recordJanuary 30, 2020
I thank the gentleman for yielding. I stand in strong support of Representative Lee's resolution to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force against Iraq. The Constitution is unambiguous; it is clear: Congress has the power to authorize war. In 2002, Congress passed an Authorization for Use of Military Force to address the ongoing threat from Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq to this country. With the overthrow of Saddam Hussein by U.S. military forces and the establishment of a new Iraqi Government, this AUMF became obsolete; but we continued, Democratic Presidents and Republican Presidents, to use the Authorization for Use of Military Force ongoing, as if the same conditions existed then. If there is a need for the authorization for the use of military force against any threat, we should bring it up and have a full and fair and open debate on what that threat is constituted of and, as a Congress, exercise that constitutional authority to declare war. This language does not prevent a President from defending America. Don't let anyone tell you that. It is important that we exercise our constitutional role. {time} 1145 Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
