WASHINGTON: Rising tensions between the United States and Iran prompted some Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Wednesday to call for the repeal of a law that presidents have used for two decades to justify US military action around the world.
The lawmakers said that, after nearly 18 years, it was time for Congress to repeal and replace the law, stressing that it was too broad from the start and saying it definitely should not be used to justify war with Iran. Lee, the only member of Congress to vote against the 2001 authorisation, said it has been used"as a blank check for endless war by three administrations."When she voted against the 2001 AUMF, Lee said it gave too much leeway for presidents to pursue military action."It was so broad, it covered almost every military operation in perpetuity," she said.