WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the Biden administration explicitly supported efforts to replace the existing Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF).
“Much has changed since the initial passage of the 2002 AUMF, namely the democratic Iraqi government is now our partner in our counterterrorism mission. Given that the 2002 AUMF was passed to authorize the Iraq war, and because circumstances in the region have changed so significantly over the past 19 years, this authorization should be repealed.
“As a legislator and policy maker, I am glad that the Biden administration is willing to work with Congress to review the existing authorities. It’s not enough to just repeal the 2002 AUMF – serious reforms to the 2001 AUMF are also required, and I look forward to working on substantive changes with my colleagues in Congress.”
“Much has changed since the initial passage of the 2002 AUMF, namely the democratic Iraqi government is now our partner in our counterterrorism mission. Given that the 2002 AUMF was passed to authorize the Iraq war, and because circumstances in the region have changed so significantly over the past 19 years, this authorization should be repealed.
“As a legislator and policy maker, I am glad that the Biden administration is willing to work with Congress to review the existing authorities. It’s not enough to just repeal the 2002 AUMF – serious reforms to the 2001 AUMF are also required, and I look forward to working on substantive changes with my colleagues in Congress.”
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