March 05, 2021

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Biden Administration Support for Ending Forever Wars

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today released a statement applauding the Biden administration for their commitment to working with Congress to end forever wars by repealing the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) which have kept U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for 20 years. 

Congresswoman Lee has been an advocate for ending forever wars since she cast the lone vote against the 2001 AUMF following the attacks on September 11, 2001. 

“20 years after my lone vote against the 2001 AUMF, we have finally reached a tipping point to ending wasteful investment in forever wars that have taken far too many lives,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I’m glad President Biden has shown support for this effort and the Senate is at last making this a priority.” 

“Both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs have been employed by administration after administration to wage war in ways well beyond the scope that Congress initially intended. Regardless of who is president, we must restore the balance of power for Congress in the use of military force. Repealing the 2002 AUMF and Sunsetting the 2001 AUMF will help restore Congress’ constitutional obligation to do our job when it comes to matters of authorizing war. 

“I am continuing to garner support for my bipartisan legislation in the House to repeal these forever wars, and I am confident it will continue to make its way through the full legislative process. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration and allies in the Senate to finally put an end to these limitless executive war powers so that future administrations will recognize Congress’ constitutional responsibility.”

Congresswoman Lee has introduced legislation in the House to repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs. The bill currently has 83 cosponsors, seven of which are Republicans. 

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