Hudson Releases Statement on the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Fort Bragg's Congressman, released the following statement today after voting against repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq Resolution of 2002:

"Repealing the AUMF of 2002 without a replacement is dangerous and risks the lives of our service members at Fort Bragg and stationed around the globe," said Rep. Hudson. "No one wants endless wars in the Middle East, and I agree that the current AUMF is outdated and ought to be replaced with a new AUMF that reflects the current threat environment. However, repealing the current AUMF without a replacement exposes our men and women in uniform without a clear legal framework for their current and ongoing missions and limits the President's ability to act swiftly and decisively in response to imminent threats to our national security interests."

Background

The legislation passed by the House today would repeal the 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq without proposing an updated replacement to provide continued legal authority for military operations against ongoing terrorist threats in Iraq. Rather than pursuing a serious effort to update the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs to address current threats, this legislation would undermine the United States' ability to counter terrorist threats, send the wrong signal to our regional partners and allies, and embolden Iran-backed militia groups who fuel sectarian violence.

What the 2002 AUMF does:

• The 2002 AUMF authorizes military action to "defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq," including against ISIS and threats directed by Iran.
• The Trump Administration used this authority for operations against ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the strike against Qasem Soleimani in January 2020.
• The 2002 AUMF also provides authority to strike Iranian-backed Shi'a forces who are currently attacking Americans in Iraq.
  • The 2001 AUMF does not provide authority for the U.S. to strike Iranian proxies because they are not "associated forces" of Al-Qaeda or the Taliban.
• This legislation is being jammed through the House without any briefings or hearings with the DOD or the Intelligence Community.

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