WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper voted to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Congress originally passed these AUMFs to permit military action in Operation Desert Storm and the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Despite the termination of both military engagements, the authorizations remain on the books, raising the potential for future administrations to overstep Congressional authority in declaring war. Repeal of these AUMFs reasserts Congress’ constitutional oversight role and modernizes our bilateral relationship with Iraq.
“Repealing these AUMFs reaffirms Congress’ role in declaring war.
“The 1991 and 2002 AUMFs have served their intended purposes and are no longer in use, but this bill will keep them from being abused as justification for future military incursions that sidestep Congressional approval.”
Hickenlooper is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs and voted in favor to invoke cloture. Hickenlooper was also a co-sponsor of the legislation during the 117th Congress.
###