On February 21, 2025, Reps. Gregory Meeks (NY-05) and Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced legislation to repeal the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq (Iraq AUMF). Twenty-two years ago, this authorization served as the legal backing for the George W. Bush administration’s invasion of and subsequent war in Iraq. This war was formally declared over in 2011 by President Obama.
Leaving the 2002 Iraq AUMF, an obsolete war authority, in place leaves the opportunity for misuse. During President Trump’s first term, his administration argued that the 2002 AUMF authorized military operations against ISIS in “Syria and elsewhere” and even cited it as a legal basis for the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. This claim was rejected by respected legal scholars.
For years, many lawmakers have been a part of the pursuit of reasserting Congress’s authority over the use of U.S miliary force. In 2021, the House overwhelmingly voted 268-161 to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF. And in 2023, the Senate voted for repeal of the authorization by a margin of 66-30.
Repealing the 2002 Iraq AUMF continues to be a bipartisan effort and has a prominent ally in the new Trump White House. Vice President J.D. Vance not only voted to repeal the authorization in 2023, he was also a co-sponsor of the bill (S. 316), led by Sens. Tim Kaine (VA) and Todd Young (IN).
Reps. Meeks and Roy’s new repeal bill has 24 cosponsors, with an equal number from both parties. Members from both sides of the aisle recognize that this war authorization is outdated and unnecessary for any ongoing military operations. There is bipartisan agreement that its repeal is essential for Congress to reassert its authority over determining when and where U.S military force is being used.
Repealing the 2002 Iraq AUMF is an essential step towards preventing future abuses, ending endless wars, and reaffirming Congress’s constitutional authority over U.S military force. We must capitalize on this moment and use our voices to make the World We Seek, which is free from war and the threat of war.
