Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)

The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is a law passed by the U.S. Congress that grants the President the authority to use military force in specific situations, particularly in response to threats against the United States. Originally enacted in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, it allows the government to take military action against terrorist organizations and their affiliates. The AUMF is significant because it provides a legal basis for military operations without a formal declaration of war, often leading to ongoing debates about its implications and scope.