PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7435)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 7, 2002
Preliminary Authorization for the Use of Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 - Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces: (1) to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 in order to secure the dismantlement or destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program and its prohibited ballistic missile program; or (2) in the exercise of individual or collective self-defense, to defend the United States or allied nations against a grave threat posed by those programs. Requires, before such authority may be exercised: (1) the President to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that the United States has attempted to seek, and the Security Council has adopted after September 12, 2002, a resolution authorizing such action to enforce Resolution 687 or that the threat to the United States or allied nations posed by those programs is so grave that the use of force is necessary, notwithstanding the Security Council's failure to approve the resolution; and (2) Congress to approve the President's determination in a joint resolution.Requires the President to keep Congress fully and currently informed on matters relevant to this Act.Declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution.
People & committees
Rep. Udall, Mark [D-CO-2] · D–CO
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7435)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1782)
Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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