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 committee oversight before the committee considers legislation to repeal the 2002 and 1991 authorizations for use of military force against Iraq. Hagerty continues to urge the Chairman to hold both a classified briefing and a public hearing with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Director of National Intelligence so the Senate fully comprehends the legislation’s implications for U.S. national security interests in the Middle East.
“There is nothing more serious for Congress to consider than matters of war and peace, which is why I applaud the Chairman for agreeing to work with me and my colleagues to conduct appropriate oversight so that we may fully evaluate the conditions on the ground and the full implications of repealing the 2002 AUMF for U.S. operations in the Middle East, and for ensuring the safety of U.S. diplomats, service members, and other government employees in Iraq and throughout the region,” Senator Hagerty said. “I have made no decision about how I will vote on this repeal, and believe both a classified briefing and a public hearing with cabinet-level national security officials are necessary in order for this committee to address comprehensively this matter of national security.”
On Monday, Hagerty and other colleagues requested a public hearing and classified briefing before considering the legislation.