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Bush Lays Groundwork For War On Terrorism

2001

President George W. Bush signs a joint resolution on Sept. 18, 2001, that authorizes the use of force against those who attacked the United States on Sept. 11. His administration will later cite the resolution as its legal rationale for invading Afghanistan, setting up Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for detainees, and taking steps for extensive surveillance of U.S. citizens suspected of terrorist activity.