Authorization for Use of Military Force

Back in 2001 our Congress authorized the use of force to fight terrorists. The wording of this document is broad enough to justify all the actions taken by President Bush including the Iraq war and potential future was with other terrorist supporting countries. For those that don't remember what was authorized I have copied the complete document here. So the next time you complain saying that President Bush wasn't authorized to invade Iraq, just re-read this. Oh, and for those that say this didn't authorize the war in Iraq check out the second Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Authorization for Use of Military Force September 14, 2001
House Joint Resolution 64: Passed the House 420-1. September 14, 2001.
Senate Joint Resolution 23: Passed the Senate 98-0. September 14, 2001.

To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States.

Text of the Resolution:
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, acts of treacherous violence were committed against the United States and its citizens; and Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad, and Whereas, in light of the threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by these grave acts of violence, and Whereas, such acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, Whereas the President has authority under the Constitution to take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States.

Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title:
This joint resolution may be cited as the "Authorization for Use of Military Force"

Section 2. Authorization for Use of United States Armed Forces
(a) That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons. (b) War Powers Resolution Requirements

(1) Specific Statutory Authorization - Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.

(2) Applicability of Other Requirements - Nothing in this resolution supercedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution.