By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press By — Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-state-department-holds-news-briefing-ahead-of-the-senate-iraq-aumf-vote Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: State Department holds news briefing ahead of the Senate Iraq AUMF vote Politics Updated on Mar 21, 2023 6:00 PM EDT — Published on Mar 21, 2023 11:46 AM EDT The State Department will held a news briefing ahead of the Senate debate and vote over repealing two measures that give open-ended approval for military action in Iraq. Watch the briefing in the player above. The Senate took a first step Thursday toward repealing two measures that give open-ended approval for military action in Iraq, pushing to end that authority as the United States marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War. WATCH LIVE: 20 years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, Senate debates repeal of AUMF authorizing the war Senators voted 68-27 to move forward on legislation that would repeal the 2002 measure that greenlighted that March 2003 invasion of Iraq and also a 1991 measure that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War to expel Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait. Nineteen Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the repeal. The bipartisan effort comes as lawmakers in both parties are increasingly seeking to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, arguing that the war authorizations are no longer necessary and subject to misuse if they are left on the books. President Joe Biden has backed the push, and the White House issued a statement Thursday in support. “Repeal of these authorizations would have no impact on current U.S. military operations and would support this administration’s commitment to a strong and comprehensive relationship with our Iraqi partners,” the White House said. WATCH: How Iraq war still impacts lives of American Marines and families 20 years later Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., said they believe the 68 votes in support send a powerful message to Americans who believe their voice should be heard on matters of war and peace. Kaine and Young have led the push for repeal and have worked for several years on the issue. “It is time for Congress to have its voice heard on these matters, and I believe this will establish a very important precedent moving forward,” Young said. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press By — Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press
The State Department will held a news briefing ahead of the Senate debate and vote over repealing two measures that give open-ended approval for military action in Iraq. Watch the briefing in the player above. The Senate took a first step Thursday toward repealing two measures that give open-ended approval for military action in Iraq, pushing to end that authority as the United States marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War. WATCH LIVE: 20 years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, Senate debates repeal of AUMF authorizing the war Senators voted 68-27 to move forward on legislation that would repeal the 2002 measure that greenlighted that March 2003 invasion of Iraq and also a 1991 measure that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War to expel Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait. Nineteen Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the repeal. The bipartisan effort comes as lawmakers in both parties are increasingly seeking to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, arguing that the war authorizations are no longer necessary and subject to misuse if they are left on the books. President Joe Biden has backed the push, and the White House issued a statement Thursday in support. “Repeal of these authorizations would have no impact on current U.S. military operations and would support this administration’s commitment to a strong and comprehensive relationship with our Iraqi partners,” the White House said. WATCH: How Iraq war still impacts lives of American Marines and families 20 years later Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., said they believe the 68 votes in support send a powerful message to Americans who believe their voice should be heard on matters of war and peace. Kaine and Young have led the push for repeal and have worked for several years on the issue. “It is time for Congress to have its voice heard on these matters, and I believe this will establish a very important precedent moving forward,” Young said. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now