Dear Eric,
Today marks 18 years since the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, which sent us to war with Iraq, was signed in to law.
Congress passed the 2002 Iraq AUMF to authorize military action against Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi regime. That mission formally ended in 2011. Yet the authorization remains on the books, and successive presidents have stretched its scope to cover unrelated military engagements that were not authorized, let alone, contemplated, by Congress 18 years ago.
Leaving it in place ensures that the authorization remains susceptible to misuse. We saw this in practice as recently as January 2020, when the Trump administration claimed that the 2002 Iraq AUMF authorized its assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Congress needs to repeal the AUMF and reassert its authority to determine when, where, and under what circumstances our military goes to war. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Today, FCNL joined a diverse coalition of advocacy groups in sending a letter to Capitol Hill urging repeal. The signers range across the political spectrum: from the American Civil Liberties Union to FreedomWorks, VoteVets to Concerned Veterans for America.
The letter’s signatories echo the growing bipartisan support in Congress for repealing the 2002 Iraq AUMF—support that advocates like you have helped to build though many years of persistent lobbying. This year the House twice voted, on a bipartisan basis, to repeal the authorization, first as part of the No War Against Iran Act (H.R. 550) and then again in the defense spending bill (H.R. 7617). The Senate bill to repeal the authorization (S.J. Res. 13), introduced by Sens. Tim Kaine (VA) and Todd Young (IN), has an equal number of cosponsors from both sides of the aisle.
The pressure is building. As you continue to lobby to end endless war, urge your senators to keep taking bold steps to exercise their powers over war and peace and to publicly call for repeal of the 2002 Iraq AUMF.
Elsewhere:
Early Voting Underway
Early voting has begun across much of the country, and numerous reports have emerged of hours-long waits to cast a ballot a person. These lengthy lines are a reminder of the urgency of this moment. Visit fcnl.org/elections2020 for resources to ensure that your voice is heard this election season.
Progress in Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Indian Country
On Oct. 10, President Trump signed Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act into law. These bills are a significant step forward in improving safety and justice for Indigenous women nationwide. FCNL’s Kerri Colfer moderated a discussion this week on gender-based violence in Indian Country—view the recording here.
Deadly Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh Continues
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh continues to escalate. More than 600 combatants and dozens of civilians have died, and there are credible claims that cluster munitions have been deployed by both sides. We condemn the use of cluster munitions and urge all nations, including the United States, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, to join the Convention on Cluster Munitions without delay.
Quakers Changing Government: Oct. 21
Join FCNL on Oct. 21 for the webinar “Quakers Changing Government: Past, Present, and Future.” Margery Post Abbott, author of “A Theological Perspective on Quaker Lobbying,” will discuss what history offers to Quakers wrestling with the relationship between law and government. Register here.
Register for Annual Meeting
Today is the last day to register for Annual Meeting (Nov. 14-17) if you would like to have a program and FCNL face mask mailed to you. Join us virtually as we lobby to address the crisis of police violence. Register here.
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Sincerely, Jessie Palatucci Senior Manager |
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Alex Frandsen Digital Communications Associate |
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