Repealing the 2001 AUMF? A Surprise Vote by the House Appropriations Committee

A pretty remarkable development in today's House Appropriations markup on the Defense Appopriations bill. For many years, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) has been putting forward amendments intended to repeal or sunset the 2001 AUMF. They normally do not go anywhere. This morning she moved one that would terminate the 2001 AUMF in 240 days, and lo-and-behold the majority went along with it. It passed with only Kay Granger (R-TX) opposing.

Needless to say, it won't actually become law, but as Rep. Lee says it will at least force some debate, which is certainly not a bad thing. Better, however, if Congress were actually to debate and then vote on a refreshed and refined AUMF, as opposed to just making speeches for and against the status quo.