Graham: Senate Repealing ‘02 Iraq AUMF Sends Wrong Message to Enemies, Endangers Troops
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement after voting against the repeal of the 2002 Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iraq. The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 66-30 and will now be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The Senate’s decision to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF without substituting something in its place will continue the narrative that America is withdrawing from the Middle East and abdicating its leadership role. While Saddam has been defeated, about 2,000 Americans still serve in Iraq and are being attacked by Iranian-backed militias constantly.
“My amendment would have authorized use of military force to protect our troops against Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq. I hope the Republican majority in the House will ensure the 2002 AUMF is replaced with something that says to Iran: ‘you attack U.S. troops at your own peril.’
“The proponents of repealing the AUMF made a stunning statement that President Biden has Article II authority and Congress does not need to act. I thought the whole point of this exercise was to take back Congressional power. What have we achieved here by repealing this AUMF – without a replacement? We have emboldened the Iranian-backed militias, put our troops at risk, and continued the narrative started by the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.
“I am dumbfounded that members of the Senate could not speak with one voice to say that Iranian-backed militias in Iraq who attack our troops do so at their own peril.”