[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                Authorization for Use of Military Force

  Mr. President, finally on AUMF, yesterday, we took a very important 
procedural step to set up a vote tomorrow on legislation officially--
and finally--repealing the Iraq AUMF of 1991 and 2002.
  I want to thank Senators Kaine and Young for leading this bipartisan 
legislation and Chairman Menendez and Ranking Member Risch for moving 
it through the Foreign Relations Committee.
  I have said it before and I will say it again: Every year we keep 
these AUMFs on the books is just another chance for future 
administrations to abuse or misuse them beyond their original intent.
  War powers belong squarely in the hands of Congress. That is what the 
Constitution says. It means it is our responsibility to reassert our 
constitutional duty and prevent future Presidents from exploiting these 
AUMFs to bumble us into a new Middle East conflict. It is important.
  The Iraq war ended over 10 years ago. The authorization passed in 
2002, under entirely different circumstances and in a different world. 
It is no longer necessary nor relevant in 2023. Repealing the AUMF will 
in no way hinder our national defense nor will it impact our 
relationship with the people of Iraq.
  Americans are tired of endless wars in the Middle East. We owe it to 
them and we owe it to our veterans and their families to repeal the 
Iraq war AUMF and turn the page on this chapter of our history.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.