No grand speeches, no late-night filibusters—just a quiet, unanimous Senate vote to end a chapter of American military history.
As reported by Military.com, the Senate unanimously approved an amendment by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, and Indiana Sen. Todd Young, a Republican, to scrap the 2002 Iraq War authorization as part of the annual defense bill.
This follows a similar vote in the House last month, paving the way for the measure to likely become law once both chambers align their versions. The 2002 resolution, pushed through under claims of weapons of mass destruction that proved false, led to a war costing hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives and nearly 5,000 American troops. It's high time Congress acknowledged the error and reasserted its constitutional role over such monumental decisions.
Reflecting on a Costly Mistake
After the Senate vote, Kaine remarked, "That's the way the war ends, not with a bang but a whimper," capturing the quiet yet profound nature of this legislative move. His words ring true, but they also underscore how deeply the war scarred both America and the Middle East, with ripple effects we still navigate.
The invasion, launched under President George W. Bush, was sold on shaky grounds, and the fallout has been a lesson in the dangers of unchecked executive power. Repealing this authorization isn't just symbolic; it's a guardrail against future overreach.
Supporters from both parties argue this step is vital to prevent similar abuses and to recognize Iraq as a strategic partner today. It's a rare moment of clarity in a polarized Congress, showing that even bitter history can unite when the stakes are this clear.
Bipartisan Unity in a Divided Time
The vote, added to a broader defense measure, came amid a contentious government shutdown standoff, yet it passed without objection in mere seconds. Sen. Young called it an "extraordinary moment," hoping it proves Congress can still tackle meaningful issues despite partisan gridlock.
Young also urged President Donald Trump to "take great pride" in signing the repeal, aligning with his past rhetoric against endless wars. If Trump follows through, he'd be the first president in recent memory to legally end a longstanding conflict, a notch worth carving.
While some Republicans quietly opposed the measure, none stood against the unanimous voice vote on Thursday evening. This silence speaks volumes, suggesting even skeptics see the wisdom in closing this chapter.
Setting a Precedent for War Powers
Young emphasized after the vote that "Congress is now very clearly asserting that it is our prerogative and our responsibility not only to authorize but also to bring to an end military conflicts." His point cuts to the core: war powers belong to the people's representatives, not a single office.
The Senate also moved to repeal the 1991 Gulf War authorization, further tidying up outdated mandates that could be misused. Though rarely invoked, these resolutions tied to Iraq alone needed to go, unlike the broader 2001 authorization for the global war on terror, which remains in place.
That 2001 measure, passed after the Sept. 11 attacks, still grants wide authority for actions against groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State. While it’s a separate debate, its staying power shows Congress isn't fully ready to rethink every war power just yet.
A Step Forward, but Questions Linger
The path ahead isn't guaranteed, as Trump's stance on signing the repeal remains uncertain, especially given his administration's past use of the 2002 resolution to justify a 2020 drone strike. Still, his campaign promises to end so-called forever wars could tip the scales toward approval.
This bipartisan effort, mirrored by the House's vote in September, stands as a reminder that even in divisive times, Congress can act to right past wrongs. The Iraq War's shadow looms large, but repealing its legal basis is a concrete step to ensure such misjudgments aren't repeated.
While the Middle East and America bear the scars of that conflict, this vote offers a chance to redefine relationships and responsibilities. Let's hope it marks not just an end, but a wiser beginning in how we wield the awesome power of war.
