CBS19: U.S. House votes to repeal Iraq War authorization

CBS19

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to repeal an Authorization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF, that dates back to 2002.

This was for the war in Iraq that was started during President George W. Bush’s presidency. 

The 2002 AUMF authorized U.S. military action against Saddam Hussein’s regimen in Iraq.

According to a release, repealing it does not impact current military operations in the Middle East, but it does prevent the U.S. Armed Forces from entering into another military conflict in the region without approval from Congress.

Lawmakers, such as Senator Tim Kaine, have been calling for the repeal of this AUMF and another that was issued in 2001 in the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, who voted for the repeal, says the 2002 AUMF’s purpose has been fulfilled, which she says means repeal is long overdue.

Spanberger also says Congress must reassert its authority in decisions of war and peace, which is required under the U.S. Constitution.

She has also been calling for the repeals of other AUMFs that were issued in 1957 during the Cold War with Russia and 1991, which led to the first Gulf War.

Congressman Bob Good voted in favor of repealing the 2002 AUMF.

“America is sending men and women overseas to fight in a war that started before they were born. Our brave servicemen and women have answered the call to serve, but members of Congress have refused their constitutional responsibility,” he said. “It’s time Congress stops hiding from the weight and consequences of endless war and start putting America First.”

“The 18-year-old Iraq War authorization is obsolete,” said Kaine after the vote. “The Government of Iraq is now a partner, not an enemy, so the House’s vote to repeal it is both welcome and overdue. Now is the time for the Senate to follow suit and finally put the 2002 AUMF to rest before some future president wreaks havoc with it.”

Kaine has also submitted legislation to repeal the 1991 Gulf War AUMF.