Repeal, Don't Replace, the AUMFs

Win Without War Executive Director Stephen Miles released the following statement regarding President Biden's reported intent to work with Congress to repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs):

"It is long past time to repeal the blank checks for endless war that are the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs. We're grateful to President Biden for taking this step to bring U.S. policy in line with the demands of the pro-peace majority.

"Now, we need to make sure it's done right. That means swiftly repealing both AUMFs, and thoroughly, openly, and democratically debating whether or not more war will make the United States or the world more secure.

"Let's be clear: repealing the AUMFs only to replace them is not an end to forever wars. Going to war is supposed to be hard, and it is solely Congress' constitutional decision. No genuine process should preordain that a new war authorization is necessary. While we firmly believe there is no need for a new war authorization, should the President request new war authorities, it is beholden upon Congress to engage in a full, public, and thorough debate on the necessity, appropriateness, and costs. Moreover, any new authorities must include the constraints that have been so devastatingly absent from the existing AUMFs. Decades of Presidential abuse of congressionally granted war authority demands nothing less.

"After two decades of destructive, fruitless, and endless war, Congress and the President must not only finally repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, but assess the decades of conflict under them before passing any new war authorization."