“The 2002 AUMF is no longer relevant and its repeal would not impact ongoing operations in the Middle East. In fact, if you look at the legal justifications associated with military strikes in the Middle East, the primary justification is almost always either the 2001 AUMF or Article II authority. Where the 2002 AUMF is cited, it’s a secondary source of legal authority that is ultimately unnecessary.
“Today’s vote to repeal the 2002 AUMF was a matter of basic constitutional hygiene and a small but significant step forward in reasserting Congress’s war powers authorities. The second-step to reclaiming our Constitutional war powers is to repeal other outdated AUMFs – like those from 1957 and 1991 – and to reform the 2001 AUMF. There are a number of productive, bipartisan discussions happening on this topic, and I think including a sunset provision, requiring Congress to periodically renew the authorization, and requiring stronger reporting requirements could serve as a foundation for bipartisan reform.”
