House coalition votes to repeal Iraq war authorizations

On September 10, 2025, a significant legislative action took place in the United States as a coalition of lawmakers from both major political parties in the House of Representatives voted to repeal long-standing laws that authorized military force against Iraq. The decision was framed as a response to decades of executive overreach, where past presidents have utilized these authorizations broadly, raising concerns about the balance of power in military engagements. The repeal gained momentum through a bipartisan amendment attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, which emphasizes the need for Congress to reclaim authority over military actions. The House approved the amendment with a vote of 261 to 167, demonstrating support among both Republicans and Democrats. This included the backing of 49 Republican lawmakers, which reflects a growing bipartisan consensus regarding the need for a reevaluation of the existing military authorizations. Notably, Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York and one of the bill's sponsors, labeled the authorizations as "long obsolete," advocating for a return to constitutional principles regarding decisions on war and peace. The backdrop to this vote includes historical instances where these authorizations have been leveraged for military actions beyond their original intent. For example, the Authorization for Use of Military Force passed in 2001 was initially established in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, but its applications have expanded significantly. Subsequent administrations, including President Donald Trump's, have used it to justify military strikes and operations that many argue were far removed from the context of the original authorizations. This legislative move also coincides with various military actions taken by the Trump administration, raising bipartisan alarms about the repeated confidential exercises of military power without direct congressional approval. As this discussion unfolds, calls for clarity and a new framework for congressional oversight in military matters are gaining traction, suggesting a pivotal shift in how the U.S. formulates its foreign military policy in the future.