Congress Must Reclaim Its War Powers Now

Congress Alone Has the Constitutional Power to Declare War The Constitution is unambiguous: Article I, Section 8 gives Congress—not the President—the sole authority to declare war. Yet for decades, that power has been eroded by executive overreach. Presidents of both parties have launched military actions without proper authorization, often citing outdated or overly broad Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs). This dangerous drift must be reversed before it leads us into another unauthorized war. Recent Bipartisan Action Reinforces the Need for Reform I strongly support the new bipartisan efforts in Congress to restore legislative control over war powers. Senator Tim Kaine (D‑VA) has introduced a measure to reassert Congress’s authority over the use of military force. Senator Bernie Sanders (I‑VT) has introduced a companion measure to bar the use of federal funds for any military operations not expressly authorized by Congress. These proposals reflect a growing consensus across party lines: the president must not have unilateral power to send U.S. troops into combat. Repeal Outdated AUMFs and Restore Oversight Please support legislation that would repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, and require any future military engagement to be specifically authorized by Congress. Such authorization should be time-limited, with clearly defined objectives and regular oversight. Congress must also bar any use of funds for unauthorized military activity and assert its constitutional prerogative. Preserve Constitutional Balance and Democratic Accountability Americans deserve a government that follows the rule of law—even, and especially, in matters of war. Restoring war powers to Congress ensures public debate, accountability, and transparency before military action is taken. I urge you to defend the Constitution by supporting and co-sponsoring this vital legislation.