Quincy Institute Applauds Senate Bill on War Powers and Arms Export Reforms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Jessica Rosenblum, [email protected], 202.800.4662

WASHINGTON, DC — The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft welcomes today’s introduction of the bipartisan National Security Powers Act of 2021 in the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Murphy (Conn.), Lee (Utah), and Sanders (Vt.) would implement a vital rebalancing of war powers between Congress and the executive, requiring congressional approval for any future military interventions, emergency declarations, and major arms sales. Quincy Institute CEO Lora Lumpe issued the following statement in response to the bill’s introduction:

“For decades, and especially since the beginning of our post-9/11 wars, the United States has seen the unchallenged concentration of national security powers in the presidency. In addition to trampling on Congress’s constitutional duties and authority, this concentration of power has had a key role in enabling these conflicts to drag on endlessly and with minimal oversight.

If passed, this bipartisan legislation would not only repeal the excessively broad and much-abused AUMFs, but would also restore Congress’s essential role in determining where, when, and against whom the United States engages in warfare — and to whom it sells lethal arms. Congress owes it to the American people to reclaim these lost responsibilities, and should not miss this opportunity to do so.”

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