Ruppersberger Supports Legislation Ending Outdated Authorization for War in Iraq

Statement

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger again supported bipartisan legislation repealing the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iraq today, a measure that was first passed more than 19 years ago to address the threats posed by the regime of Saddam Hussein. H.R. 256 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a vote of 268 to 161 and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

H.R. 256, which is supported by President Biden, has no effect on any ongoing military operations in Iraq. The President maintains his constitutional authority to order actions necessary to defend America and its citizens as well as against terrorist and militia groups in Iraq.

"Repeal of obsolete AUMFs does not make us any weaker -- in fact, it makes us stronger and asserts Congress' constitutionally-required authority to declare war," said Congressman Ruppersberger, who is a Defense Appropriator with an extensive background in national security policy. "By keeping old AUMFs on the books, we increase the likelihood that future presidents can abuse them. It is long past time for Congress to reexamine and debate these issues and ensure the Executive Branch does not have a blank check to wage war."

This is the third time Congressman Ruppersberger has voted to repeal the AUMF in Iraq. He has also supported repeal of the 2001 AUMF used to justify military action in the Global War on Terrorism and has sponsored and voted in favor of measures ending unauthorized military action in Yemen and Iran.

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