1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to support the repeal of the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Enacted in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the 2001 AUMF was intended to give the President authority to pursue those responsible for that specific act of terrorism. Nearly a quarter-century later, however, the authorization has far outlived its original purpose. It has been repeatedly cited as legal justification for military operations in countries and against groups that did not exist, or were not contemplated, when Congress passed the measure in 2001. The Constitution grants Congress—not the President alone—the power to declare war and decide when the nation should commit its military forces to armed conflict. Yet the continued existence of the 2001 AUMF has enabled successive administrations of both parties to conduct and expand military operations without seeking specific, updated authorization from Congress. In practice, it has become a blank check for the use of military force, undermining the democratic accountability that the Constitution requires. Repealing the 2001 AUMF would not prevent the United States from defending itself against genuine threats. Rather, it would restore Congress's proper role in decisions of war and peace and ensure that any future military action receives the deliberation, debate, and public scrutiny that such grave decisions deserve. I urge you to support legislation repealing the 2001 AUMF and to work toward a framework that requires clear, specific congressional authorization for future military operations. The American people deserve transparency and accountability when our nation goes to war.