In 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which gave the President broad-reaching powers to bring the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks on our country to justice. The language was left intentionally vague as the responsible parties were not yet known.
In the 19 years since, U.S. presidents from both parties have used the AUMF as a pretext to engage in a wide range of military operations without seeking congressional approval, even when the connection to 9/11 is ambiguous or nonexistent.
Congress has been derelict in its national security duties by allowing this to continue.
We are a group of military spouses, families, service members, and supporters who believe it is past time to reform the AUMF and bring War Powers back to Congress.
The act of declaring war and committing our troops abroad must be done with deliberation and transparency. We owe that to our armed forces.
We call on the Chairpersons and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees to hold hearings and bring forth legislation on this issue.