It’s outdated, based on lies, and has wrecked countless lives; yet the law that authorized the Iraq War twenty years ago is still on the books. It’s not just symbolic either — it’s a law that’s been used by multiple presidents to justify military operations in Iraq, Syria, and beyond. But we have an opportunity to change that. 

Right now, Congress — and our 20-year movement — are as close as we have ever been to repealing the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). 

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) are working hard to secure a final vote for repeal this year. It’s already passed the House. What’s left is the Senate, where a bipartisan majority of senators has already co-sponsored repeal legislation this year. But sometimes, even having a majority in our slow-moving Senate isn’t enough. Sometimes, those senators have to shout to the rafters that something big must get done, or even popular bills get lost in the shuffle. And grassroots pressure from activists like you from all across the country can help push this across the finish line.

And we need to do this right now before this legislative calendar is over. Next year begins a new Congress, which means new members, new personalities, and new roles. The one thing we know for sure is that Mitch McConnell will not repeal the ‘02 AUMF if he’s in charge of the Senate. That’s why we need to take advantage of the small window of opportunity we still have and make as much noise as we can.