On January 12, 1991, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. The resolution, known as the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (AUMF), was passed by the Senate by a vote of 52–47 and by the House of Representatives by a vote of 250–183.
The AUMF authorized the President to use military force "as he determines necessary and appropriate" to achieve the following objectives:
- The immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
- The restoration of Kuwait's legitimate government.
- The protection of United States citizens and interests in the region.
- The enforcement of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
President George H.W. Bush signed the AUMF into law on January 14, 1991. The United States began military operations against Iraq on January 17, 1991. The war ended on February 28, 1991, with a cease-fire agreement between Iraq and the United Nations.