[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 22, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                Authorization for Use of Military Force

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, on AUMF first, two decades after the 
start of the Iraq war, the Senate this week debates legislation to 
repeal the authority that commenced the war to begin with. By a large 
vote--67 to 28--the Senate yesterday sent a clear message that the time 
has come to repeal the AUMFs of 2002 and 1991. At this point, repealing 
the Iraq AUMFs in the Senate is not a matter of if but, rather, of 
when.
  I hope, given such a strong bipartisan vote yesterday, we can move 
quickly. There should be no needless delay or dilatory tactics on 
something the majority of Senators support. We are in the process of 
negotiating amendments. We want to be reasonable, but this process is 
going to proceed as quickly as it can.
  Allowing these AUMFs to remain on the books is just asking for a 
future administration to abuse them and, God forbid, bumble us into a 
new conflict in the Middle East.
  War powers belong in the hands of Congress, and we should use and 
exert that authority by bringing these AUMFs to a close.
  It is my hope that both sides can reach an agreement to accelerate 
this process very soon. In the meantime, once again, thanks, kudos to 
Senators Kaine and Young, Chairman Menendez and Ranking Member Risch, 
and all of the cosponsors. There are many in this legislation.