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

Senator Bob Menendez (D.N.J.), assured the public that the repeal of the Authorizations for the Use of Military Forces (AUMFs) against Iraq wouldn’t have any impact on the United States facing the Iranian threat.

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

2001 AUMF gives the U.S. military the ability to pursue those responsible for 9/11.

Menendez’s remarks came as the Senate was set 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 the U.S. military to enter the Gulf War. Hussein’s forces were expelled from Kuwait by the Americans. After reports that Saddam Hussein had weapons, the second allowed the U.S. to enter Iraqi military. He was captured by the United States in 2003, and executed in Iraq in 2006.

During the press conference,  Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) touted 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 on March 8 voted, 13–8, to advance the bill to the full Senate. Schumer filed Cloture on the Bill on March 14 and noted that President Joe Biden supports it.

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

Although the bipartisan bill is expected to pass the Democrat controlled Senate, it is less likely that it will be passed in the GOP-controlled House. The lower chamber of Congress rejected a resolution that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R. Fla.) had introduced. It would have required the president’s withdrawal from Syria within 15 calendar days.