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Repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

Floor Speech

Date: June 17, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution.

The United States Congress has the sole constitutional power to declare war and, therefore, a constitutional duty to consider, debate, and, if necessary, repeal an Authorization for Use of Military Force.

The very title of this AUMF shows how much it has strayed from its original purpose. The 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq was designed to address the threat posed by an Iraq run by Saddam Hussein. He has been dead for many years.

We have the responsibility to members of the Armed Forces who risk their lives, and the American public who fund these seemingly endless conflicts, to terminate the current 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Since 2009, I voted consistently to revoke this open- ended authorization and to reassert Congress' role.

For too long, we have failed this responsibility. Congress must act now to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq.

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