Bipartisan group of senators introduces bill to rein in Biden's war powers

A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill on Wednesday to repeal two military authorizations, effectively curbing President BidenJoe BidenThe Hill's Morning Report - Biden may find zero GOP support for jobs plan Republicans don't think Biden really wants to work with them Lack of cyber funds in Biden infrastructure plan raises eyebrows MORE’s war powers.

The bill, spearheaded by Sens. Tim KaineTimothy (Tim) Michael KaineOvernight Defense: Congress looks to rein in Biden's war powers | Diversity chief at Special Operations Command reassigned during probe into social media posts Congress looks to rein in Biden's war powers House panel advances bill to repeal 2002 war authorization MORE (D-Va.) and Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungBiden infrastructure proposal prioritizes funds for emerging technologies Overnight Defense: Congress looks to rein in Biden's war powers | Diversity chief at Special Operations Command reassigned during probe into social media posts Congress looks to rein in Biden's war powers MORE (R-Ind.), would repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF), which both deal with Iraq.

The bill comes as lawmakers have voiced frustration about a lack of consultation with Congress over the United States' strikes last week in Syria, marking the first known military action ordered by Biden. The administration didn’t cite either authorization for those actions.

“Last week’s airstrikes in Syria show that the Executive Branch, regardless of party, will continue to stretch its war powers,” Kaine said in a statement.

“I call on Congress to promptly take up this measure and for the Biden Administration to support it to finally show the American people that the Article I and II branches can work together on these issues,” he added.

Young added that Congress has been “operating on autopilot” when it comes to authorizing military force.

“Congress must not shy away from this debate and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to advance this important legislation,” he added.

In addition to Kaine and Young, Sens. Tammy DuckworthLadda (Tammy) Tammy DuckworthBiden says Cabinet 'looks like America' at first meeting Both parties look to recruit Asian American candidates as violence against group increases White House announces measures to address anti-Asian violence MORE (D-Ill.), Mike LeeMichael (Mike) Shumway LeeHillicon Valley: Supreme Court rules Facebook text alerts not akin to robocalls | Republicans press Google, Apple, Amazon on Parler removals | Texas Senate blocks social media platforms from banning users based on politics Republicans press Google, Apple, Amazon on Parler removals The Hill's Morning Report - Biden shifts on filibuster MORE (R-Utah), Chris CoonsChris Andrew CoonsFive things to watch on Biden infrastructure plan Democrats torn on Biden's bipartisan pledge Congress looks to rein in Biden's war powers MORE (D-Del.), Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyGrassley, Cornyn push for Senate border hearing The Hill's Morning Report - GOP pounces on Biden's infrastructure plan Rick Scott 'very optimistic' Grassley will run for another term MORE (R-Iowa), Dick DurbinDick DurbinGrassley, Cornyn push for Senate border hearing Bloomberg, former RNC chair Steele back Biden pick for civil rights division 21 Senate Democrats press Biden to include recurring direct payments in infrastructure plan MORE (D-Ill.) and Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulMarjorie Taylor Greene offers bills to fire Fauci, ban vaccine passports The Hill's Morning Report - Biden shifts on filibuster On The Money: Social Security gives IRS data for COVID-19 relief checks | Senate passes bill heading off Medicare cuts MORE (R-Ky.) are backing the bill.

Senators have tried for years to reform or repeal the existing military authorizations, but the legislation has gotten bogged down by partisan divisions on Capitol Hill or jockeying between the executive and legislative branches.

Kaine said he informed the White House during a call this week about his bill. He noted while they didn’t make any commitments, they seemed “really willing to engage.”