Rep. Meijer Wants Congress To Reclaim Its War Powers

MICHIGAN—A day after 13 American troops were killed in a terrorist attack in Kabul, U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer called Thursday for Congress to establish its position in committing U.S. forces abroad.

"Congress needs to reclaim its authority over war powers to ensure such a catastrophe never happens again," Meijer said on Twitter. "Tonight, I grieve with the families. Tomorrow, we work to do everything we can to ensure no other family suffers a tragedy like this."

Congress needs to reclaim its authority over war powers to ensure such a catastrophe never happens again. Tonight, I grieve with the families. Tomorrow, we work to do everything we can to ensure no other family suffers a tragedy like this. (3/3)
— Rep. Peter Meijer (@RepMeijer) August 27, 2021

Meijer is referring to the War Powers Act of 1973, which mandates a president consults with Congress before committing U.S. forces into foreign hostilities. The act, however, has been ignored repeatedly since its inception, and some see it as an executive overreach.

Then President George W. Bush unilaterally ordered U.S. forces to invade Afghanistan following 9/11, bypassing congressional approval.

And last year, then President Donald Trump vetoed a congressionally approved resolution that would have forced him to consult with Congress before taking military action against Iran.

Meijer has also been one of the most outspoken critics in denouncing President Biden's withdrawal execution plan from Afghanistan.

"On Tuesday I saw Marines bravely managing chaos at Abbey Gate. Today, the grave risk they took to save countless lives was made terribly clear," Meijer said on Twitter. "This was a position they should not have been in, but President Biden’s reckless withdrawal gave them no other choice."

Meijer is also one of two congressmen who flew to unannounced into Kabul airport earlier this week, prompting harsh criticism from U.S. officials, including the president and speaker of the House.