S.804 - Accountability for Endless Wars Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Accountability for Endless Wars Act of 2025" aims to terminate authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF) and declarations of war. Future authorizations would expire 10 years after enactment, while existing authorizations would terminate 6 months after the Act's enactment. This bill seeks to reassert Congressional oversight on military actions and prevent prolonged, undeclared wars.
Expected Effects
The Act would force Congress to regularly review and reauthorize military actions, increasing accountability. It could lead to a more cautious approach to military interventions. The executive branch's ability to conduct long-term military operations without explicit Congressional approval would be curtailed.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Congressional Oversight: Ensures regular review and reauthorization of military actions.
- Reduced Likelihood of "Endless Wars": Prevents prolonged military engagements without explicit Congressional consent.
- Greater Public Accountability: Forces Congress to publicly debate and vote on military actions.
- Potential for Reallocation of Resources: Could free up resources for domestic priorities if military engagements are curtailed.
- Strengthened Democratic Principles: Reinforces the principle of civilian control over the military.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Reduced Flexibility: May limit the executive branch's ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.
- Risk of Political Gridlock: Congress may fail to reauthorize necessary military actions due to partisan disagreements.
- Unintended Consequences: Abrupt termination of AUMFs could create security vacuums or destabilize regions.
- Impact on Existing Operations: The 6-month termination for existing AUMFs could disrupt ongoing military operations.
- Possible Undermining of National Security: Opponents may argue that the bill weakens national security by limiting military options.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to declare war and raise and support armies. By requiring regular reauthorization of AUMFs, the bill reinforces Congress's constitutional role in overseeing military actions. It seeks to prevent the executive branch from unilaterally engaging in prolonged conflicts without explicit Congressional approval, thus upholding the separation of powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).