Senate Votes to Repeal Iraq AUMF, Ending ‘Blank Check’ for Presidents to Bypass Congressional War Declarations

The U.S. Senate voted 66-30 Wednesday to repeal two Iraq-related war authorizations, with Republicans divided on the question at a time of stepped-up attacks on U.S. troops by Iranian proxies in the region.

All 30 “no” votes came from Republicans, while another 18 Republicans voted with Democrats in favor of repealing the 2002 authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) that paved the way for the invasion of Iraq 20 years ago, and the 1991 AUMF that authorized Operation Desert Storm.

Debate and a series of unsuccessful GOP amendments...