The U.S. House is repealing a 1950’s bill created to defend the Middle East. Tuesday, it became the first bill passed by the House authored by West Michigan Congressman Peter Meijer.
The 1957 Authorization for Use of Military Forces was enacted in defense of Middle East countries. In its original construct, “against armed aggression from any country controlled by international communism.”
U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. As a member of Congress and an Iraq War veteran, the Grand Rapids Republican says the 1957 AUMF has outlived its usefulness.
“But still retains that potential to be abused by any current or future administration to launch unwarranted military operations in the Middle East and doing an end-run around Congress.”
Rep. Meijer says the repeal does not impact current operations Rather, he explains, it places a spotlight on the need for Congressional oversite on matters of war and peace.