📅 On This Day in Military History

January 12

1 event across history

⚔️📍 Washington D.C., USA1991

U.S. Congress Authorizes Gulf War

The United States Congress voted to authorize President George H.W. Bush to use military force to expel Iraq from Kuwait. The Senate vote was 52–47 — the closest war authorization since 1812. Operation Desert Storm began three days later.

The Gulf War coalition demonstrated the post-Cold War potential for international military cooperation and set a precedent for UN-sanctioned military action.

Outcome

Authorization passed; Operation Desert Storm launches January 17