Bipartisan Push Clears Senate Hurdle

When the Constitution was written by the Founding Fathers, unknowingly, they have given Congress the authority to proclaim war.  Yet, in recent years, particularly in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, lawmakers have reduced their own power and permitted the executive branch to approve more military action. Congress wants its authority back, though, right now.

On March 16, the Senate passed S.316, a bill to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iraq, by a vote of 68 to 27 (with five senators abstaining). The bill was advanced with the support of Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and 17 other Republicans and Democrats.

According to Senator Todd Young (R-IN), the main sponsor of the bill, there haven’t been any wars justified by the 2002 AUMF in ten years. He said that keeping it in place only gives the executive branch a chance to abuse its power and avoids Congress on the most important matter—when to put American lives in danger.

The 2001 AUMF, which Congress passed particularly for the war on terrorism, is not included in the legislation. It was initially intended for the Afghanistan War, but presidents have since used it to support additional uses of military action in connection with counterterrorism initiatives. For instance, the executive branch frequently referred to it after the former President Barack Obama’s government launched airstrikes in Libya against the Islamic State.

This means that US presidents will continue to have the power to order the use of force whenever they wish, pending passage of legislation by Congress abolishing the 2001 authorizations. Legislative action to revoke the order is not yet known when or if it will take place.

Before the end of March, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) will put the bill to a full vote. According to President Joe Biden, if the bill reaches his desk, he will sign it.

RELATED ARTICLES

9 Children Arrested for Multiple Robberies

Schools nationwide are releasing their students for summer break, a time when children typically enjoy sunny days and cold treats. However, in...

400 People Rioting Lead To Interruption Of Military Event

A military tribute event that was scheduled to take place in Chicago had to be called off due to a disturbance caused...

AOC Flips Out Over Parody Account Mocking Her

Progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cautioned her Twitter followers on Tuesday that a satirical account mimicking her posts was gaining popularity following an...

Biden Threatens to Sanction New Country For Anti-LGBTQ Law

In a statement on Monday, President Biden urged for the swift annulment of Uganda's recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act and cautioned about potential...

NEW STUDY Finds Thousands Of Fraudulent Voter Registrations

Journal of Information Warfare (JIW) published a new study that verified a "loss of control" in New York's voter database. The audit...

Suspected Chinese Spies In Disguises Tried To Enter Alaskan Military Bases

Members of the armed forces claim that in recent years, Chinese spies posing as tourists have regularly tried to get access to...

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

LATEST POSTS ON UNCAGED BRIEF

Most Recent

Suspected Chinese Spies In Disguises Tried To Enter Alaskan Military Bases

Members of the armed forces claim that in recent years, Chinese spies posing as tourists have regularly tried to get access to...

9 Children Arrested for Multiple Robberies

Schools nationwide are releasing their students for summer break, a time when children typically enjoy sunny days and cold treats. However, in...

AOC Flips Out Over Parody Account Mocking Her

Progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cautioned her Twitter followers on Tuesday that a satirical account mimicking her posts was gaining popularity following an...

Biden Threatens to Sanction New Country For Anti-LGBTQ Law

In a statement on Monday, President Biden urged for the swift annulment of Uganda's recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act and cautioned about potential...

400 People Rioting Lead To Interruption Of Military Event

A military tribute event that was scheduled to take place in Chicago had to be called off due to a disturbance caused...

Killer Nurse Finally Brought to Justice (Video)

In Pennsylvania, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a nurse who stands accused of purposefully administering deadly amounts of insulin...