Recalibrating American Foreign Policy

Nearly two decades ago, I deployed to Iraq alongside fellow soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard. Over there, I saw firsthand the real human cost of war, losing friends while politicians back home allowed the War on Terror to drag on for years. More than 7,000 American heroes lost their lives in that conflict, and 30,000 more took their own lives after coming home and struggling with invisible scars of war. Our own government left troops in harm’s way without a clear mission or strategy to bring them home, and since coming to Congress, ending forever wars has been one of my top priorities. 

That effort achieved a big victory last year when I helped repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iraq, almost exactly 17 years after I came home from that same war. Today, I’m taking action to continue that work by introducing my plan to recalibrate American foreign policy and put our nation first. These four pieces of legislation will reform the military authorization process to prevent abuse, strengthen oversight, and end the endless wars that have taken the lives of too many American heroes. These reforms to the military authorization process will rein in abuse and ensure our sons and daughters are never again sent overseas to fight in another endless war.

The Military Force Oversight Amendment would amend the Constitution to require any AUMF to expire automatically after five years unless reauthorized by Congress. This will prevent endless wars by forcing the people’s representatives to review each conflict and vote on whether keeping our troops overseas is actually protecting the American people and our national interests.

The Prevent Endless Wars Act would provide another safeguard to avoid endless wars and ensure Congress conducts critical oversight. The bill would only allow AUMFs to receive fast-tracked consideration in Congress if they contain a sunset of no longer than five years.

The War Powers Priority Procedures Modernization Act would give the House of Representatives additional tools to fast-track votes to end unauthorized military force.

The Cold War Military Force Repeal Act would revoke the outdated 1957 AUMF that is still on the books authorizing the president to use force to fight communism in the Middle East.

America needs a strong military to keep our nation safe by deterring threats and, when necessary, defending our interests overseas. We don’t need endless, aimless wars. My plan to recalibrate American foreign policy will ensure our focus is on preserving peace through strength.

Recalibrating American Foreign Policy is the fourth pillar of my Blueprint for a Better America. Learn more and submit your ideas at barrett.house.gov/reform.