Congress passes Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) seven days after 9/11 attacks

Congress passes the Authorization for Use of Military Force (S.J.Res.23) by 98-0 in the Senate and 420-1 in the House, authorizing the president to use force against nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the September 11 attacks. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) casts the lone dissenting vote. The AUMF becomes the legal basis for military operations in Afghanistan and, later, the War on Terror in dozens of countries.