Kennedy opposed the American-led 2003 invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq. The AUMF against Iraq, which would authorize a military invasion and sustained occupation in Iraq was voted for in 2002. Kennedy was intensely opposed to the bill, as it would hand over complete military control and maneuverability to the President. Such precedent would not only allow tyrannical military policy, but an undermining of the Democrats. He had also been a harsh critic of the way the invasion of Iraq was planned and conducted by the Bush administration. Kennedy also had said that the best vote he had ever cast in the Senate was his vote against giving President Bush the authority to use force against Iraq.