Congress authorizes Iraq War with 2002 AUMF

Congress passes Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq. House votes 296-133, Senate votes 77-23. Resolution authorizes force as president determines necessary against continuing threat posed by Iraq. Based partly on claims Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction—claims later found on faulty intelligence. Bush signs October 16. Although geographically specific to Iraq, the 2002 AUMF is later cited to justify operations against Iranian forces and counter-terrorism throughout region.