Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution
PL 102-1 (H.J.Res.77), enacted 01/14/1991

PUBLIC LAW 102-1—JAN. 14, 1991 
105 STAT. 3 
Public Law 102-1 
102d Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces pursuant to United Nations 
Security Council Resolution 678. 
Whereas the Government of Iraq without provocation invaded and 
occupied the territory of Kuwait on August 2,1990; 
Whereas both the House of Representatives (in H.J. Res. 658 of the 
101st Congress) and the Senate (in S. Con. Res. 147 of the 101st 
Congress) have condemned Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and declared 
their support for international action to reverse Iraq's aggression; 
Whereas, Iraq's conventional, chemical, biological, and nuclear 
weapons and ballistic missile programs and its demonstrated 
willingness to use weapons of mass destruction pose a grave threat 
to world peace; 
Whereas the international community has demanded that Iraq 
withdraw unconditionally and immediately from Kuwait and that 
Kuwait's independence and legitimate government be restored; 
Whereas the United Nations Security Council repeatedly affirmed 
the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense in re-
sponse to the armed attack by Iraq against Kuwait in accordance 
with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter; 
Whereas, in the absence of full compliance by Iraq with its resolu-
tions, the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 678 has 
authorized member states of the United Nations to use all nec-
essary means, after January 15,1991, to uphold and implement all 
relevant Security Council resolutions and to restore international 
peace and security in the area; and 
Whereas Iraq has persisted in its illegal occupation of, and brutal 
aggression against Kuwait: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This joint resolution may be cited as the "Authorization for Use of 
Military Force Against Iraq Resolution", 
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The President is authorized, subject to 
subsection QoX to use United States Armed Forces pursuant to 
United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 (1990) in order to 
achieve implementation of Security Council Resolutions 660, 661, 
662, 664, 665, 666, 667, 669, 670, 674, and 677. 
(b) REQUIREMENT FOR DETERMINATION THAT USE OF MILITARY 
FORCE Is NECESSARY.—Before exercising the authority granted in 
subsection (a), the President shall make available to the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the 
Senate his determination that— 
(1) the United States has used all appropriate diplomatic and 
other peaceful means to obtain compliance by Iraq with the 
Jan. 14, 1991 
[H.J. Res. 77] 
50 use 1541 
note. 
Authorization 
for Use of 
Military Force 
Against Iraq 
Resolution. 
Kuwait. 
50 use 1541 
note. 
President. 
50 u s e 1541 
note. 
105 STAT. 4 
PUBLIC LAW 102-1—JAN. 14, 1991 
United Nations Security Council resolutions cited in subsection 
(a); and 
(2) that those efforts have not been and would not be success-
ful in obtaining such compliance, 
(c) WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION.—Consistent with sec-
tion 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares 
that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory 
authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War 
Powers Resolution. 
(2) APPLICABIUTY OF OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—Nothing in this 
resolution supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Reso-
lution. 
President. 
SEC. 3. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. 
note. 
At least once every 60 days, the President shall submit to the 
Congress a summary on the status of efforts to obtain compliance by 
Iraq with the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security 
Council in response to Iraq's aggression. 
Approved January 14, 1991. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 77 (S.J. Res. 2): 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 137 (1991): 
Jan. 12, S.J. Res. 2 considered and passed Senate. H.J. Res. 77 considered and 
passed House and Senate. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 27 (1991): 
Jan. 14, Presidential statement.