The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of advancing legislation to repeal the decades-old authorizations for previous wars in Iraq, as Congress seeks to reaffirm its role in deciding whether to send troops into combat. The vote concluded with a result of 65 to 28, exceeding the 60 votes needed in the 100-member Senate, paving the way for a vote on its approval later this week. All opposing votes came from Republican members, according to Reuters.
President Joe Biden indicated that he would sign the legislation if it reaches his desk after approval from both the Senate and the House. Proponents of the repeal argue that it acknowledges that Iraq is no longer an adversary but has become a security partner for the United States. The resolution will also repeal the authorization for military force in the Gulf War, which was approved in 1991 following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait during Saddam Hussein's regime. The authorizations for the Iraq War have been referred to as "zombie" authorizations because they never expire, but their original purpose no longer exists.
Before the vote, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat, noted that "Congress is ready to reclaim our constitutional role in deciding how and when the nation goes to war, as well as when to end wars." He added, "It also protects against the potential abuse of future administrations using authorizations that have outlived their purpose but still remain on the books."
