U.S. House backs repeal of 2002 war authorization
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill to repeal the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, or AUMF, that allowed the war in Iraq.
The bill passed by a vote of 268 to 161, with at least 49 Republicans joining Democrats in favor of repeal.
The bipartisan vote underscored the prospects for reining in AUMFs that American presidents from both parties have used to justify nearly 20 years of military actions around the globe.
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war.
However, that authority has shifted to the president due to the AUMFs, which were passed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks and do not expire.
To be enacted, the measure passed on Thursday must also be approved by the Senate - where its prospects are less certain.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer threw his support behind the repeal effort this week, saying repealing would prevent future presidential "military adventurism" such as former President Donald Trump's 2020 airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani while he was visiting Iraq.
But it must win the support of 60 senators in the evenly divided 100-member chamber, meaning that it would need the support of at least 10 Republicans.
If it clears that hurdle - it goes to the desk of President Joe Biden, who has said he supports it.
Opponents worry repealing would dangerously limit the powers of the president and send the message that the United States is pulling back from the Middle East.
