From: “Senator Kelly Ayotte”
Subject: Reply from Senator Ayotte
Date: Thu 03/07/13 12:13 PM
March 7, 2013
Dear Mr. Perry:
Thank you for your comments regarding the Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force (H.R. 198). I appreciate hearing from you.
As you may know, on February 4, 2013, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced H.R. 198, which was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. If enacted, the bill would repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF; Public Law 107-40) 180 days after the bill’s passage.
On September 11, 2001, our country endured the worst terrorist attacks in its history. The murder of thousands of innocent Americans by Islamist terrorists compelled Congress to pass the AUMF. The AUMF authorizes the President to “use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons….”
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I believe the preeminent constitutional responsibility of the federal government is to protect Americans. In light of the ongoing terrorist threats to our country, I do not support efforts to repeal the AUMF at this time.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. As your Senator, it is important to hear from you regarding the current issues affecting New Hampshire and our nation. Please do not hesitate to be in touch again if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Kelly A. Ayotte
U. S. Senator