Schakowsky Statement on Vote to Repeal Authorization for Use of Military Force

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Founding Member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, issued the following statement after the House voted today to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force that has been in place since 2002:

"Today, I once again voted to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq because we cannot continue to support endless wars. Its repeal would be a critical move towards preventing our country from entering another long engagement under an outdated authority. It also would fulfill Congress's constitutional responsibility – only Congress has the power to declare war. I am pleased that President Biden recognizes this and has announced his support for the 2002 AUMF's repeal.

"Congress passed the 2002 Iraq AUMF to authorize war against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. I voted against that resolution. Now, Saddam Hussein is long gone and there are no ongoing military operations that independently rely on the legal authority provided by the 2002 AUMF. Since its passage nearly 20 years ago, the 2002 AUMF was used by three successive administrations to wage war in ways well beyond the scope that Congress initially intended. This cannot stand, and today Congress voted to ensure that no future president can misuse this authority to justify unauthorized military actions.

"I will work with my friend and colleague Congresswoman Barbara Lee to ensure the Senate swiftly passes this resolution and the 2002 AUMF is at long last repealed. We cannot afford to leave outdated AUMFs in place indefinitely. We cannot support endless wars."

###