Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a Democratic-led effort to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, a measure that has been used by multiple administrations to justify military strikes against Iranian and Iranian-backed forces. The vote to advance the repeal bill failed 50-40, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
The 2002 AUMF, passed in the lead-up to the Iraq War, authorized force against the Saddam Hussein regime. However, recent presidents, including Donald Trump, have cited it as legal justification for actions like the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Proponents of repeal argue the authorization is outdated and grants presidents overly broad war powers without congressional approval.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who voted for the 2002 AUMF, now supports its repeal, calling it a "blank check for war." Most Republicans opposed the measure, arguing that repealing it without a replacement could tie a president's hands during a crisis. The White House has stated President Trump would veto the bill if it reached his desk.
The failed vote highlights the ongoing congressional debate over war powers, an issue that has gained renewed attention amid tensions with Iran. A separate effort to repeal the broader 2001 AUMF, passed after the 9/11 attacks, is also being discussed but faces significant political hurdles.
