By Robin Bravender | Arizona Mirror
The U.S. House voted Thursday to repeal the 2002 authorization for the use of military force that allowed the George W. Bush administration to wage war against Saddam Hussein’s government in Iraq.
Most House Democrats joined 11 Republicans and one independent to approve a resolution backing the repeal amid concerns about escalating tensions with Iran and complaints by members of Congress that the legislative branch has been sidelined by the executive branch in decisions about waging war.
The final tally was 236-166.
Two Arizona Republicans were among the 11 GOP members who backed the repeal: Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert. Democrats Tom O’Halleran, Raúl Grijalva, Ruben Gallego and Greg Stanton also voted for the repeal.
Republican Reps. Paul Gosar and Debbie Lesko opposed the effort; Democratic Arizona Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick did not vote. Kirkpatrick is on a leave of absence to seek treatment for alcohol addiction.
