US Federal House Bill HB1488

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25

Caption

To repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq.

Summary

HB1488 would repeal two existing congressional authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq: the 1991 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution and the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution. If enacted, the bill would remove those statutory authorizations from the U.S. Code and end their continued legal availability as bases for military action against Iraq. The measure is a narrow repeal bill focused on war powers and the legal framework governing the use of force. It does not create a new authorization, funding mechanism, or operational military policy; instead, it would eliminate two older Iraq-specific authorities that have remained on the books for decades. The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Impact

The bill would amend federal law by repealing the Iraq AUMF resolutions enacted in 1991 and 2002, both of which are codified as notes to 50 U.S.C. 1541. Its effect would be to remove those Iraq-specific authorizations from the body of law, potentially narrowing the executive branch’s claimed legal authority to use military force in connection with Iraq under those resolutions. It would not itself alter other war powers statutes, including the 2001 AUMF or the President’s independent constitutional authorities.

Sentiment

The bill’s sponsorship suggests bipartisan and cross-ideological interest in revisiting old war authorizations, with members from both parties and a range of political viewpoints listed as cosponsors. That pattern generally indicates support for congressional reassertion of war powers and for retiring outdated military authorizations. No committee debate or vote record is available in the provided materials, so there is no recorded opposition or formal sentiment from markup or floor consideration.

Contention

The main point of contention likely concerns whether repealing the Iraq AUMFs could limit future U.S. military flexibility or, conversely, whether leaving them in place preserves obsolete authorities that should be formally removed. Supporters are likely to emphasize congressional oversight, sunset of outdated war powers, and legal clarity; critics may worry about unintended effects on deterrence, contingency planning, or the executive branch’s ability to respond to threats involving Iraq. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, these positions are inferred from the bill’s subject matter rather than documented debate.