China News Service, Washington, June 17 (Reporter Sha Hanting) The US House of Representatives voted on the 17th local time to repeal the Iraq War Authorization Law passed in 2002 to limit the president's power to initiate war.
In the vote that day, 268 votes in favor and 161 votes against, 49 Republicans joined the Democratic camp to vote for, and one Democrat voted against.
According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the power to initiate wars, and the president, as the commander of the three services, has the power to command wars.
In the "Resolution Authorizing the Use of Force Against Iraq" passed by Congress in 2002, it was stated that due to the "constant threats" from Iraq, Congress will authorize the president to use all "necessary and appropriate" military means to protect the national security of the United States.
After the implementation of the law, in addition to former President Bush launched the Iraq war in accordance with the law, former President Obama has launched military operations against the terrorist organization "Islamic State" in accordance with the law; former President Trump has attacked and killed senior Iranian generals in accordance with the law Soleimani.
Members who support the repeal of the law believe that the repeal of the law will prevent future presidents from launching unnecessary military operations.
Opponents believe that it will restrict US counter-terrorism operations and give terrorist organizations a chance.
The White House expressed support for the abolition of the War Authorization Law.
The White House recently issued a statement stating that there are no military operations currently under way in accordance with the War Authorization Act.
US President Biden is willing to cooperate with Congress to introduce a new war authorization bill that provides "a more limited and specific framework while protecting the American people from the threat of terrorism."
Next, the Senate will discuss the bill to repeal the Iraq War Authorization Act.
The bill requires 60 votes to pass in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader and Democrat Schumer stated that the repeal of the law does not mean that the United States will abandon Iraq or the fight against terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State, but is to prevent the president from using the law to promote "military adventurism," such as former presidents. Trump attacked and killed senior Iranian general Soleimani.
Republican Senator James Inhofe believes that the killing of Soleimani was a “significant achievement” during Trump’s tenure, and it also shows the significance of the law, and the Democratic leadership in repealing the law was “out of political Purpose" will give terrorist organizations an opportunity.
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