Durbin Introduces Legislation To Terminate AUMFS No Later Than 10 Years After Enactment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced theAccountability for Endless Wars Act,legislationto terminate the Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and declarations of war no later than 10 years after the enactment of such authorizations or declarations. AUMFs set the legal framework, parameters, and constitutional basis for the United States’ military engagements. Durbin was one of 23 Senators to vote against the 2002 Iraq War AUMF.
“If the continued use of military force is justified beyond a decade, Congress should do what the Constitution clearly intends for us to do—debate and vote on the continued use of force,”said Durbin.“We should no longer abdicate our responsibility by relying on an authorization for the use of military force that has long since served its intended purpose.”
Last Congress, Durbinreintroducedbipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs, to formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars, and reassert Congress’ Constitutional role in deciding whether and when to send our service members into harm’s way.
Along with Durbin, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
-30-