Congress should take back responsibility

Attacks on crucial Saudi oil installations have been the occasion for President Trump to declare we are 'locked and loaded” whatever that means. We worry that it might mean military force against Iran. The lack of sunset clauses in the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) has resulted in crucial deterioration of Congressional oversight and in perpetual armed conflict for over 17 years. I worry that the 2001 and 2002 AUMF will again be used to justify U.S. military force against Iran without congressional approval.

Congress should take back its responsibility to declare war and give the American people a chance to weigh in on whether our taxes and most importantly, our soldiers' lives are worth such a conflict.

Under article II of our Constitution, Congress has the sole authority to decide whether to take the country into prolonged war. President Trump is attempting to concentrate power in the executive branch. This power grab is a threat to our democracy.

The 2001 and 2002 AUMF without a sunset clause is a blank check for endless war. Please tell Sens. Grassley and Ernst that the people must have a voice in how our treasure and blood are spent. Ask them to repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMF.

Kathleen VanDeWalle

North Liberty