Gregory Meeks: “Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment to the NDAA, which would finally repeal both the 2002 and the 1991…”

“Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment to the NDAA, which would finally repeal both the 2002 and the 1991 Authorizations for Use of Military Force, or AUMFs. These AUMFs are long obsolete. By remaining on the books, these AUMFs only risk abuse by administrations of either party to sanction military force that Congress has not considered or approved. It is time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over matters of war and peace, its Article I war powers, by removing these open-ended AUMFs once and for all. I am thankful to my colleagues who have worked to pass these repeals, having nearly passed both Chambers in the 117th and 118th Congress. I am particularly thankful to Representatives Roy and Massie, along with many cosponsors who have joined this bipartisan effort. This amendment is going to pass because a clear majority of this House agree it is time to close these chapters of endless wars. I am prepared to fight in conference to get this over the finish line. It is time to once and for all end these forever wars.”