Sunset the 2001 AUMF

To the editor:

Recently, President Barack Obama sent his proposal to Congress for military force against the group known as ISIL. The proposal did not include a sunset on the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which renders any new authorization practically useless. This virtually unlimited authorization given by Congress in 2001 gives away important congressional oversight of where, when and how our country goes to war. It doesn't make sense for Congress to pass a new authorization while leaving the 2001 AUMF blank check in place. Even if members of Congress approve a war, they should be concerned that Obama's proposal takes their voice out of the conversation. I urge Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Rod Blum to make a statement in support of S. 526 to sunset the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force.

Trish Bruxvoort Colligan

Strawberry Point