The authorizations for use of force that were enacted in 2001 and 2002 still provide a sound basis for present military actions against terrorists and other belligerents, Defense Secretary James Mattis believes. Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Oct. 30, Mattis said that the Authorizations for Use of Military Force allow for the president “to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States.”
Should Congress decide a new authorization is necessary, Mattis advised lawmakers to keep the 2001 and 2002 actions intact. Repeal could “stall operations, immediately reduce allied commitments and support and create significant opportunities for our enemies to seize the initiative,” Mattis said.