Calling on Joni Ernst to take back war powers, repeal Iraq AUMF

War is brutal. Going to war is a decision that should be made only after careful deliberation. The Founding Fathers granted Congress the authority to decide if we go off to war. However, the Congress has handed the president its war making authority in the form of Authorizations for use of Military Force (AUMF).

Recently, by a bipartisan vote of 268 to 161, the House of Representatives repealed the 2002 AUMF. A similar repeal bill is now being considered by the Senate (S.J. Res. 10).

The resolution is supported by a bipartisan group of senators including our own Sen. Chuck Grassley. However, we need both of our senators to support S.J. Res. 10. As of now, Sen Joni Ernst has not declared her position on supporting the resolution. This is the time for Iowans to contact Senator Ernst and stress the importance of repealing the 2002 AUMF. We need Congress to take back its war powers. If the president is considering making war, then we need the entire Congress to vote on putting our youth in harm’s way.

George Bergus

Iowa City