Press Releases

Kuster Votes To Curb Presidential Power To Deploy U.S. Forces Without Congressional Approval

  

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted in favor of H.R.256, To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. The 2002 Iraq AUMF was signed into law on October 11, 2002, which allowed United States Armed Forces to engage in military operations against the regime led by Saddam Hussein. The 2002 Iraq AUMF has been used by previous administrations as the basis for military engagements outside of Iraq. This legislation to repeal the 2002 AUMF passed today with bipartisan support out of the House of Representatives. 

 

“Regardless of who the President is, any decision regarding where our men and women in uniform are deployed should be heavily considered and ultimately approved or disapproved by the United States Congress pursuant to the Constitution,” said Rep. Kuster. “Nearly twenty years have passed since the 2002 AUMF was signed into law, and it is now outdated and an inappropriate justification for engaging in military activities beyond those prescribed in the authorization. The legislation we passed today ensures that Congress retains its constitutional responsibility to decide when and if to authorize our nation’s involvement in war.”

 

President Biden has formally announced his support for repealing the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Rep. Kuster helped to pass legislation in the House to repeal this AUMF last year.

 

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