Bipartisan group of Senators introduce legislation to strip war powers from President Biden

On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced legislation that would strip war powers away from President Joe Biden, after he ordered the Thursday US military airstrike on Syria without congressional approval.

Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the legislation that would "repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations that cleared the way for a prolonged military conflict in Iraq, culminating in calls from Democrats and Republicans alike to end the so-called ‘forever wars’ in the region," reported POLITICO.

Kaine blasted the Biden administration for the continuing passing executive orders without approval from legislators, emphasizing Congress’ responsibility in relation to war efforts. "Last week’s airstrikes in Syria show that the executive branch, regardless of party, will continue to stretch its war powers," the Democrat and former VP candidate said. "Congress has a responsibility to not only vote to authorize new military action, but to repeal old authorizations that are no longer necessary."

When it comes to military force, Republican Senator Young argued that Congress has been "operating on autopilot."

"Congress has been operating on autopilot when it comes to our essential duties to authorize the use of military force," he said. "The fact that authorities for both of these wars are still law today is illustrative of the bipartisan failure of Congress to perform its constitutionally-mandated oversight role."

The bipartisan group of senators that signed off on the legislation include Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). According to The Hill, the White House seemed 'really willing to engage' after being notified of the legislation.