Washington, DC – House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul delivered the following opening statement at a full committee hearing on reclaiming Congressional war powers. 

“Congress exercises no power more solemn than committing our nation to war. As you said, matters of war and peace and that is within this committee’s jurisdiction. This year marks 20 years since 9/11 and it is past time to review and reflect on the decisions made in the aftermath of that dark day. Because many on our side of the aisle agree that it’s time to reclaim our Article I responsibilities, I think we have an opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to make bipartisan progress toward real reform. In other words, I think we have the same goal here, we may just have different means of getting about it.”

“But wars should not be on autopilot either. Congress owes our troops a clear commitment to the missions we are asking them to undertake. For these reasons, I have repeatedly stated, Mr. Chairman, my desire for an updated authorization of military force – or AUMF – scoped to current terrorist threats to replace the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs that are still on the books. And think about it, some people fighting in these wars were not even born on 9/11.”

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-Opening Remarks as Delivered-

“I want to thank you for holding today’s much needed discussion. And I welcome the debate on re-balancing war powers between the Executive and Legislative branches.

Congress exercises no power more solemn than committing our nation to war. As you said, matters of war and peace and that is within this committee’s jurisdiction. This year marks 20 years since 9/11 and it is past time to review and reflect on the decisions made in the aftermath of that dark day. Because many on our side of the aisle agree that it’s time to reclaim our Article I responsibilities, I think we have an opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to make bipartisan progress toward real reform. In other words, I think we have the same goal here, we may just have different means of getting about it.

We should also avoid dismissive talk of ‘forever wars’ because it implies our ongoing counterterrorism engagements are illegal and unnecessary. When I was chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I was briefed regularly about the ongoing threats aimed at Americans. I believe our counterterrorism efforts over the past 20 years have safeguarded us from many terrorist attacks in this country.  

And with respect to General Soleimani I believe the world is much safer and far better off without him.

The bipartisan 9/11 Commission — led by the former Democratic Chair of this committee, Lee Hamilton – made clear that the fight against radical Islamist terrorism would be a, quote, “generational challenge…likely to be measured in decades, not years.” End of quote.

During that time, Congress has held hundreds of briefings and hearings. We have continued to appropriate funds for those engagements. We have not directed the withdrawal of our troops.

But wars should not be on autopilot either. Congress owes our troops a clear commitment to the missions we are asking them to undertake.

For these reasons, I have repeatedly stated, Mr. Chairman, my desire for an updated authorization of military force – or AUMF – scoped to current terrorist threats to replace the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs that are still on the books. And think about it, some people fighting in these wars were not even born on 9/11.  

It is also imperative, I believe, to repeal and replace these AUMFs simultaneously to ensure there is no lapse in critical counterterrorism authorities. This will avoid sending a message of premature U.S. disengagement that could destabilize Iraq, embolden Iran, and strengthen Al Qaeda and ISIS.

Rushing a standalone repeal of an AUMF used by the last three administrations only two days after beginning this conversation is not a constructive way to consider this important national security authority.

A serious effort, in my judgment, requires consulting with the Government of Iraq and regional and coalition partners. It involves hearing from the Biden Administration itself and the Department of Defense. It also involves getting our Members – especially the new ones – briefed by the Intelligence Community on the current threats. We also have many Members who have served in combat, whose voices will be valuable to our deliberations.

So, with that said Mr. Chairman, I look forward to our panelists’ thoughts on what an updated AUMF would look like and I would also appreciate their views on the War Powers Resolution, which has never forced the withdrawal of U.S. forces over a Presidential objection.

Mr. Chairman, today’s issues are weighty, and they are complex, and should not be partisan if they are approached with the gravity and diligence they deserve. So, I join you in welcoming our distinguished witnesses, look forward to the testimony and I yield back.”

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