Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on his vote to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002:

“For decades, presidents of both parties have relied on outdated and overbroad war authorizations to justify military action around the world. These authorizations bear little resemblance to our modern world and the enemies and threats our country faces today - some of which weren’t even in existence when the authorizations were first passed. These authorizations have essentially provided a blank check for presidents to wage war for nearly two decades. That is far from the intention of the framers of our Constitution, who intended for Congress to decide to declare war, and not delegate it to the executive.

“Congress has a responsibility to the servicemembers we ask to fight these wars to reclaim our constitutional prerogative. I am pleased that thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Barbara Lee and others, we’ve moved a step closer by voting to repeal the 2002 Iraq War Authorization. I’m hopeful that with President Biden’s support and bipartisan interest in Congress, we can begin to end America’s forever wars while protecting our country from the continued threat of terrorism.

“While this is an important step, we must also sunset the 2001 authorization passed one week after September 11. I have repeatedly introduced legislation to repeal this authorization or to replace it with a narrowed and time-limited authorization, and I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Administration towards that goal with renewed vigor.”

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