McConnell bashes Iraq AUMF repeal ahead of Senate passage

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticized a bill to repeal two war authorizations used by presidents to take military action against Iranian proxies in the region. The bipartisan legislation seeks to eliminate the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force before the Gulf and Iraq wars.

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Even though presidents have relied on other war powers to target Iran-backed militias, McConnell warned that removing the authorizations would embolden Iranian aggression against the US.

McConnell argued, “Iraq has come under extremely heavy influence and manipulation from Iran. Our enemies in Iran who have spent two decades targeting and killing Americans in the Middle East would be delighted to see America dial down our military presence, authorities, and activities in Iraq.”

The Senate voted to advance the bill on Monday and is currently debating roughly a dozen GOP amendments. With at least 18 Republicans expected to vote in favor, the legislation is slated to clear the upper chamber as soon as Wednesday.

McConnell cited an Iran-backed militia attack last week that killed one US service member to support his argument that now is not the time to repeal the country’s war authorizations.

President Joe Biden has shown support for the repeal of the authorizations, while House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) thinks the proposal has a good chance of getting a floor vote in the House after it goes through the Foreign Affairs Committee.

In his statement of opposition to the repeal, McConnell sought to hold Democrats responsible for the turmoil in the Middle East.

McConnell was discharged from an inpatient rehab facility over the weekend after receiving treatment for a concussion and fractured rib due to a fall earlier this month. Despite being one of the most vocal defense hawks in the chamber, he has remained silent on the repeal effort and other Senate business as he recovers. His office confirmed that he will work remotely “for the next few days.”

As America debates whether to eliminate these authorizations, it must also consider the broader implications of such moves for the future of the region.

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