On the recordMarch 22, 2023
on AUMF first, two decades after the start of the Iraq war, the Senate this week debates legislation to repeal the authority that commenced the war to begin with. By a large vote--67 to 28--the Senate yesterday sent a clear message that the time has come to repeal the AUMFs of 2002 and 1991. At this point, repealing the Iraq AUMFs in the Senate is not a matter of if but, rather, of when. I hope, given such a strong bipartisan vote yesterday, we can move quickly. There should be no needless delay or dilatory tactics on something the majority of Senators support. We are in the process of negotiating amendments. We want to be reasonable, but this process is going to proceed as quickly as it can. Allowing these AUMFs to remain on the books is just asking for a future administration to abuse them and, God forbid, bumble us into a new conflict in the Middle East. War powers belong in the hands of Congress, and we should use and exert that authority by bringing these AUMFs to a close. It is my hope that both sides can reach an agreement to accelerate this process very soon. In the meantime, once again, thanks, kudos to Senators Kaine and Young, Chairman Menendez and Ranking Member Risch, and all of the cosponsors. There are many in this legislation.
