Repeal of Iraq War Authorizations Won’t Affect US Confronting Iran Threat: Menendez

On March 15, Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democratic senator from New Jersey, assured the public that the United States would not be affected by the repeal of the Authorizations for the Use of Military Forces against Iraq.

“Some will ask whether repeal of the authorization impacts our ability to protect the nation against Iran. Take it from me, as someone who has worked for a couple of decades to confront the challenge of Iran: This will have no impact on defending against any Iranian threat,” Menendez spoke at a press conference after the Senate Democrats’ weekly policy luncheon.

“[The] president already has authority under the 2001 AUMF and the Constitution for military operations against ISIS or Iranian-backed groups that threaten U.S. personnel,” He said.

“The AUMFs that we’re repealing add nothing to those efforts.”

The U.S. military can pursue those responsible for 9/11 through the 2001 AUMF.

Menendez’s remarks came just as the Senate was due to vote on March 16, to approve a bill introduced by Sens. Tim Kaine (D.Va.), and Todd Young (R.Ind.), that would repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs. The first allowed America to enter the Gulf War. Saddam Hussein was driven out of Kuwait by his forces. After reports that Hussein was possessing weapons of mass destruction, the second allowed the U.S. military access to Iraq. In 2003, the United States captured Hussein and he was later executed by Iraq.

During the press conference Sen. Chuck Schumer (D.N.Y.), praised the bill, saying “Americans are tired of endless wars.”

“This is the week the Senate will begin the process to end the legal authority that started the Iraq War two decades ago. March 19 will mark the 20th anniversary of that invasion,” He said.

“The Iraq War has been over for more than 10 years. The reality on the ground has long since changed, so laws on the book must change too. This was a bipartisan effort.”

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 13–8 on March 8 to advance the bill to the full Senate. Schumer filed cloture to the bill on March 14, and he stated that President Joe Biden supports this measure.

To be able to vote on the bill, sixty votes are needed

Although the bipartisan bill is expected to pass the Democrat controlled Senate, its fate within the GOP-controlled House may be less certain. The lower chamber of Congress voted down a resolution that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R. Fla.) had introduced. It would have required that the president withdraw U.S. troops from Syria within 15 calendar days after its enactment.