Key Vote YES on Repeal of the 2002 Iraq AUMF, H.R. 256

  • By: FW Staff
  • 06/15/2021
On behalf of FreedomWorks’ activist community, I urge you to contact your representative and ask him or her to vote YES on the repeal of the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq, H.R. 256, introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). The objective of the 2002 AUMF against Iraq was to go after Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein; his regime was ousted in 2003. This legislation has run its course and it is long past time to repeal it.

Despite this, nearly two decades after its original passage, the 2002 AUMF against Iraq is still inappropriately used by both Democrat and Republican administrations as a blank check to continue forever wars without consulting Congress.

Matters regarding war and peace are the most critical decisions that elected officials must consider. Congress has, however, routinely abdicated its constitutional responsibility in this area to the executive branch in matters of military force. The 2002 AUMF against Iraq has no sunset provision; it is the duty of Congress to vote to repeal the resolution and assert itself as a coequal branch of government.

It is irresponsible for Congress to authorize military force without providing any sunset provision. The consequences are a blank check to the executive branch that costs trillions of dollars and directly impacts the lives of millions of Americans.

Presidential administrations have used the 2002 AUMF far beyond the scope that Congress originally intended. Congress must push back against an ever-growing executive to reassert the legislative branch’s authority in matters of war and peace.

FreedomWorks will count the vote for H.R. 256 on our 2021 Congressional Scorecard and reserves the right to score any amendments, motions, or other related votes. The scorecard is used to determine eligibility for the FreedomFighter Award, which recognizes Members of the House and Senate who consistently vote to support economic freedom and individual liberty.

Sincerely,

Adam Brandon,
President, FreedomWorks

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