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Repealing the 2001 AUMF and respecting congressional war powers

Repealing the 2001 AUMF and respecting congressional war powers Reducing the Pentagon budget Engaging with Iran Engaging with North Korea Supporting a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Opposing regime-change interventions and broad-based sanctions Rejecting discriminatory immigration policies and supporting refugees Closing Guantanamo Ending support for governments that violate human rights Prioritizing diplomacy and avoid militarizing our relations with other powers such as Russia and China INITIAL SIGNATORIES OF THIS LETTER
Answer

Absent a direct and imminent threat to the United States, the President needs to consult Congress and receive authorization for use of military force, as required by the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Act of 1973. The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) has been expanded to apply to situations and groups never envisioned by Congress. This has resulted in the United States waging endless war in 80 countries, including lethal strikes in 7 countries and direct combat in 14 countries. We ask that you consult with, and receive required authorization from, Congress prior to engaging the U.S. military abroad and commit to supporting a repeal of the 2001 AUMF and ending all uses of U.S. military force that have not been authorized by Congress in previous Administrations, including putting an end to unconstitutional participation in the Saudi-led war on Yemen. We also urge you to commit to ending any military action upon a majority vote in Congress under the War Powers Act of 1973, as well as commit to signing war powers reform legislation that would appropriately strengthen Congress’ role in authorizing and overseeing the use of force.