This joint resolution (House Joint Resolution 114) authorizes the president “to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to” (1) defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.” However, since the Constitution gives Congress the sole responsibility for declaring war, this resolution represents congressional abdication of its responsibility.
Furthermore, the main thrust of the joint resolution is that the president is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States to “strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.” That is, the purpose of the resolution is to enforce UN Security Council dictates.
The Senate passed the resolution on October 11, 2002 by a vote of 77 to 23 (Roll Call 237). Because the Senate adopted the identical measure the House had passed the previous day, the Senate vote completed congressional action. We have assigned pluses to the nays.
