Preamble
Joint Resolution
To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States.
- Whereas, on September 11, 2001, acts of treacherous violence were committed against the United States and its citizens; and
- Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad; and
- Whereas, in light of the threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by these grave acts of violence; and
- Whereas, such acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States; and
- Whereas, the President has authority under the Constitution to take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States: Now, therefore, be it
- Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1 – Short Title
This joint resolution may be cited as the 'Authorization for Use of Military Force'.
Section 2 – Authorization For Use of United States Armed Forces
(a) IN GENERAL- That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terroristattacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons.
(b) War Powers Resolution Requirements-
- (1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION- Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.
- (2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER REQUIREMENTS- Nothing in this resolution supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution.
This short, broad, open-ended law, effective just three days after 9/11/01, is the legal bedrock for all that followed: in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in the expansion of NSA spying, in Operation Neptune Spear, and now in Syria.
AUMF turns the United States Constitution on its head, obliterates the separation of powers, abrogates legislative responsibility, delegates that authority to the executive branch, and is a consequence of the refusal of the United States government to identify its enemy.
President Barack Obama has wanted to repeal AUMF. Congress has refused. Obama could ignore AUMF, refuse to use the power it grants him but in America since 2001, "Just because you have the power doesn't mean you should use it.," is not the guide, the guide is the reverse, "What's the use of having this wonderful military if you don't use it?", it is the "doability doctrine," "If you can do it, do it."
