Repeal of Joint Resolution to Promote Peace and Stability in the Middle East

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEIJER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill today to repeal the outdated and unnecessary 1957 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

We have heard from many on just how this bill originally designed to defend Middle East nations against ``armed aggression from any country controlled by international communism,'' how far it has outstripped its usefulness, no longer serving any purpose, but still retains that potential to be abused by any current or future administration to launch unwarranted military operations in the Middle East and doing an end run around Congress.

The repeal we are discussing today would have no impact on ongoing operations, and is all the more reason to take it off the books immediately, but, Mr. Speaker, a decades-long war on terror and the lack of oversight, the lack of that reaffirming action on behalf of Congress has demonstrated to us the risks when we neglect our constitutional duty to oversee matters of war and peace. It is time that Congress get back in the habit of vigorously debating and voting on these matters because the Constitution and the American people demand it.

I applaud the work of my colleagues to help lead this bipartisan effort to restore Congress' authority. Congresswoman Spanberger's bill to repeal the outdated 1991 AUMF is another critical step in this effort, and I am proud to support her on this matter.

I also thank Congressman Mike Gallagher and Congressman Jared Golden for helping to lead the effort to repeal the 1957 and 1991 AUMFs. And lastly, I thank Chairman Meeks and Ranking Member McCaul for helping to bring these bills to the House floor for a vote and for their leadership on reprising Congress' authority in this area.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage on this bill.

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