Here is the text of the resolution - it is as open-ended as one could
imagine. So much for the argument that Congress was concerned not to repeat
the Gulf of Tonkin disaster.
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Following is the joint resolution authorizing the use of force against
terrorists, adopted yesterday by the Senate and the House of
Representatives:
To authorize the use of United States armed forces against those responsible
for the recent attacks launched against the United States.
Whereas, on Sept. 11, 2001, acts of despicable violence were committed
against the United States and its citizens; and
Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United
States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States
citizens both at home and abroad, and
Whereas, in light of the threat to the national security and foreign policy
of the United States posed by these grave acts of violence, and
Whereas, such acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to
the national security and foreign policy of the United States,
Whereas the president has authority under the Constitution to take action to
deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States.
Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States
of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short Title
This joint resolution may be cited as the "Authorization for Use of Military
Force"
Section 2. Authorization for Use of United States Armed Forces
(a) That the president is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate
force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines
planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred
on Sept. 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to
prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States
by such nations, organizations or persons.
(b) War Powers Resolution Requirements
(1) Specific Statutory Authorization -- Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of
the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares that this section is
intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning
of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.
(2) Applicability of Other Requirements -- Nothing in this resolution
supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution.
� 2001 The Washington Post Company
Stephen F. Diamond
School of Law
Santa Clara University
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
