Reps. Gallego and Byrne introduce bill granting Congressional Armed Services Committees jurisdiction over war powers
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) introduced bipartisan legislation that would place jurisdiction over war powers issues, including authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF), under the Congressional Armed Services Committees. These matters are currently under the jurisdiction of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Under House Rule X, the House Armed Services Committee has jurisdiction over all areas of personnel, material, and strategy necessary for the conduct of war, making it the best-equipped panel to handle this critical responsibility. In addition, because the Congressional Armed Services Committees pass legislation authorizing defense activities every year, this jurisdictional change would give Congress a better opportunity to review and revise war-related policies.
"Sixteen long years have passed since the 2001 AUMF was enacted," said Rep. Gallego, a Marine Corps combat veteran and Member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Frankly, given the rapidly evolving threats America faces, that means Congress hasn't been doing its job. We need to enact institutional reforms to enable the legislative branch to once again exert its constitutional power over matters of war and peace. Giving responsibility for authorizations for the use of military force to the committee with the most relevant experience and expertise simply makes sense."
"I have long been concerned about the lack of adequate authorization for many of the current operations of the U.S. military," said Rep. Byrne, also a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Congress needs to get our act together and pass a new AUMF that adequately meets the realities of today's conflicts. The current inaction is unacceptable, and I think institutional reforms may be necessary to move the process forward. Our servicemen and women deserve an adequate AUMF that makes clear our support and authorization for the important work they do each and every day."