In 2001 and 2002, the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). For over two decades, the AUMFs have affectively become a blank check for any president to put our military in harm’s way without oversight or meaningful national public debate. U.S. counterterrorism operations from post 9/11 wars have expanded to at least 80 countries around the world, costing an estimated 5.9 trillion. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, injured, and displaced.
We must push Congress to repeal the both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs. We echo Win Without War, “Repealing the 2002 AUMF would be a critical start to war powers reform”, but we must not stop there. We must urge Congress to also repeal the 2001 AUMF.
MFSO updated AUMF campaign has several actions you can do:
- call your representatives in Congress, let’s call each Monday for 6 weeks starting on July 11, 2022 Lets everyone call every Monday.
- send postcards to both Foreign Relations Committees
- visit your representative’s office
- We are planning to add additional actions in the following weeks
Calling Congress Is Easier Than You Think — Here’s How to Do It!
One thing that you probably keep hearing is that you should call your elected officials. And yes, we understand that sounds a little bit scary. But honestly, it’s easier than you think. Calling is the most powerful way to put pressure on your representatives.
Why? It shows commitment to a cause. And representatives know that if they don’t hear the concerns of their constituents, it could impact their ability to get reelected.
The easiest thing is to call your senators and representative offices directly.
But if for some reason you are unable to do that, you also have the option of dialing 202-224-3121. This number will direct you to the Capitol switchboard. When you call, ask to be connected to your senator or representative. The operator will direct your call to their office.
What happens when you call?
A legislative assistant will answer the phone. They’ll ask if you need a response, and it’s better if you say you don’t. That way they can tally you down without having to go through the extra step of adding you to a response database. The most important part is to be clear that you are calling because you want your representative to work to “Repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF’s)” and that you are a member of Military Families Speak Out.
Sample script “I am calling as a Member of MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT. I strongly urge that both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs be repealed”
Why you support or oppose certain legislation is irrelevant to them. The more people that call the representative’s office, the less detail the assistants will write down. Getting straight to the point makes things easier for everyone — including those who are waiting for their phone calls to be picked up.
Also, please call the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at: 202-224-4651
Sample script “I am calling as a member of Military Families Speak Out. I strongly urge that S.J.Res.10* be passed and that the members work to repeal the 2001 AUMF.”
Send postcards
We have developed postcards you can print out on your home printer! You will need to use 60 LB or heavier paper and print on both sides which will give you 4 postcards.
If you don’t have a printer call/text 562-833-8035 or email MFSOOC@earthlink.net and we will send you 10-20 postcards. Link to postcard
Visit your Representatives in your home state when they are there. Call your local office to obtain a schedule of when they will be “home”. Make an appointment!
Talking Points on the AUMF
Link to AUMF talking points
*S.J.Res.10 is a joint resolution to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq, and for other purposes.
PLEASE JOIN US IN THIS EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THESE AUMF’S BEFORE THEY CAN BE USED AGAIN TO SEND OUR LOVED ONES TO WAR.
