CVA on NDAA: Congress has opportunity to finally repeal outdated War Powers

ARLINGTON, Va. ―Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Executive Director, John Vick, on Tuesday issued the following statement ahead of House debate on the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“As Congress takes up the annual defense bill, lawmakers have a duty to put national security ahead of politics. This year’s NDAA offers a chance to cut wasteful spending, rein in costly acquisitions, and repeal outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force. Obsolete AUMFs, like the 2002 authorization to invade Iraq, delegated war powers that no longer reflect today’s threats but continue to be used to justify open-ended military actions abroad. Relying on outdated war powers circumvents Congress and ignores their irrelevance to modern challenges. The Iraq AUMFs are not the sole authority for any ongoing U.S. military operation and can be safely repealed. 

More than 20 years of war in the Middle East have strained our military readiness and diverted the War Department’s focus away from protecting America’s core national security interests. It is finally time for a bipartisan approach that restores accountability, strengthens security, and honors the sacrifices of our service members and veterans. Both the House and Senate have previously voted to repeal these outdated AUMFs―this is the moment to finish the job and restore Congress’ war powers.”