Congress passes Authorization for Use of Military Force

Three days after 9/11 attacks, Congress passes AUMF granting president sweeping authority. Senate votes 98-0, House votes unanimously. Resolution authorizes military action against those responsible for September 11 and those who harbor them. Language is deliberately broad with no geographic or temporal limits. Bush signs September 18. AUMF becomes foundation for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia through Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations, outlasting the specific threat it addresses.