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Thursday, Congress introduced a bill to repeal two war authorizations, passing in the House, 268-161. Forty-nine Republicans and one Democrat voted against it.
One of the war authorizations, passed in 2002, enabled the President of the United States to act preemptively, with military force, to “defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq.”
That measure was cited in 2020, when President Trump, years after hostilities ended, authorized a drone strike on Iranian General Qassim Solemani, as he visited Iraq. The administration said that Solemani was plotting attacks against US troops in the region.
That measure and one that authorized use of force in Iraq during Desert Storm in 1991, are still active and on the books decades later.
The newly passed bill is expected to be brought to the Senate for a vote later this year.
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Within the last week, the Department of Defense shot down a high-altitude balloon after it crossed over North America, and a second unidentified object over northern Canada. It’s largely believed to spy balloons originating from China. Read More
US Army Veteran, world-famous composer, Burt Bacharach dies at 94
After being drafted in the late 40s, the Army quickly learned of this late composers talents and he would spend his short Army career playing music in Germany, Fort Dix, and Government Island. He would move on from that experience and over the next few decades create music for movie scores and for pop singers, collecting dozens of nominations and awards, and cameos in the Austin Powers movies. Read more
Republicans seek end to VA abortion policy
On Wednesday, Republican members of the House and Senate introduced a bill that would end a recent VA policy that allowed abortions in cases of incest, rape, or when the mother’s life is at risk because of the pregnancy. The VA says they are committed to providing a wide range of reproductive health services. Read more
Free Access to National Parks for Veterans, Gold Star Families
In 2020, the Department of the Interior created a rule that allowed all veterans and gold star families to get free access to National Parks. A recently passed bill in Congress made the rule permanent. Read More