Rep. Takano Votes to Repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) voted in favor of H.R. 256, Repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. This legislation ensures that this obsolete authorization can no longer be used for unrelated military operations, while not precluding our nation from defending our military and diplomatic personnel in Iraq.
“For nearly two decades, the 2002 Iraq AUMF has been used to justify unlawful military action in the Middle East without Congressional approval, allowing presidents to act unilaterally, and preventing Congress from asserting its sole authority to declare war under the Constitution,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “It’s time to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF, restore power to Congress, and finally stop endless wars.”
Congress passed the AUMF Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 in October 2002 to address the perceived threat posed by the regime of Saddam Hussein. The U.S. war in Iraq formally ended in December 2011.
Repealing the Outdated AUMF Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 does not preclude the U.S. from defending our military and diplomatic personnel and U.S. interests in Iraq; it is essential to Congress living up to its constitutional duties and preventing any president from leading the country to the brink of additional endless wars.
###
Press Contact
Lana Abbasi (951) 222-0203