[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 107 (Monday, June 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E669-E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUPPORT FOR REPEAL OF AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF MILITARY FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. ANDY BIGGS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2021

  Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 256, the repeal 
of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution 
of 2002. For too long, Congress has abrogated its Constitutional 
obligation to declare war. The founding fathers knew that the executive 
branch was the most prone to war. That is why they gave Congress the 
power to declare war. By assigning this power to Congress, our founders 
ensured that issues of war would be properly debated before our brave 
service members are sent into harm's way.
  We have allowed Presidents of both parties to disregard the proper 
Constitutional order and engage in forever wars. This AUMF has been in 
place for nearly 20 years and the situation in Iraq is vastly different 
than at its onset. Allowing the AUMF to remain in place will not make 
America safer. However, it will allow for the President to keep us in a 
state of perpetual war.
  Repealing the AUMF will not endanger our troops overseas. However, 
repealing the AUMF will begin the process of restoring Congress to its 
proper role of deciding when our country goes to war. This Congress, or 
any future, must be a part of any decision to reengage in hostilities 
in Iraq.
  In Congress does not find the courage stand up to the President and 
say, ``No Mr. President, we decided when to go to war,'' then thousands 
of young lives will be lost in unconstitutional wars. It is time for 
Congress to reassert itself over war powers and restore the proper 
Constitutional order.

[[Page E670]]

  I urge my colleagues to stand up for the Constitution. To stand up 
for Congress by supporting H.R. 256. I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

                          ____________________