WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, today applauded Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ) for agreeing to a public hearing before the committee considers legislation to repeal the 2002 and 1991 authorizations for use of military force against Iraq.
“I once again want to applaud Chairman Menendez’s appreciation for the gravity of the topic, and the need for a robust public discussion by granting my request for a public hearing,” Senator Hagerty said. “Hearing from high-ranking national security officials will help inform my own decision making as I fully evaluate the implications of maintaining or repealing the AUMF. Matters of war and peace should be debated openly, so the American people can be provided with the full rational for why the Administration believes this is the right course of action, and how President Biden intends to protect American interest in light of this policy change, and I look forward to participating fully in this hearing.”
Last month, Hagerty and other colleagues requested a public hearing and classified briefing before considering the legislation. Menendez agreed to hold a classified briefing, which was conducted July 12. The public hearing is scheduled for August 3.