Center urges Congress put on hold new Authorization for Use of Military Force

The Center for American Progress (CAP) is urging Congress to reevaluate oversight of the nation’s wars before considering passing a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) decree.

CAP recently released an analysis detailing the organization’s position, noting the 17 years the AUMF has been in place, Congress has failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to decide whether America should go to war in new countries or against new groups and now needs to address whether current conflicts should continue.

Recommendations CAP is offering to Congress include placing on hold consideration of a new or revised 2001 AUMF; requesting the Trump administration provide a complete list of countries in which the United States is at war relying upon the 2001 AUMF; seek information on organizations the United States is fighting in those countries; and gain insight regarding the countries where the United States is providing partner assistance against terrorist groups, even if troops are not participating in hostilities.

Cost examination, benefits and alternatives to multiple wars currently being fought should also be weighed by leadership, per the analysis.

The United States is now relying on the AUMF as the legal authority to conduct wars against multiple terrorist groups in at least seven different countries, the report noted.

The report also recommends Congress exhaust all means to obtain vital information about the state of the wars, including enforcement of current reporting requirements on the executive branch.