February 05, 2003
The resolution echoes Lee’s efforts last fall to utilize diplomatic measures, including inspections and containment, to disarm Iraq, rather than resorting to war. In October, Lee introduced what became known as the Lee Amendment to H.J. Res. 114, requiring the United States to work through the United Nations to achieve disarmament through inspections and other diplomatic means. The amendment received 72 votes and contributed to the debate on alternatives to war.
Representative Lee said, “The President has still not shown that war is either inevitable or necessary. In fact, Secretary Powell’s presentation today at the United Nations raises more questions than it answers.”
She continued, “Secretary of State Colin Powell today made a convincing case for the need to sustain and expand the United Nations inspections process to seek out and destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. He also made a powerful – if indirect – case for the need for strengthening global non-proliferation efforts and for engagement rather than isolation.”
“The DeFazio resolution repealing the authorization of use of force is needed more than ever. The inspections teams have not had the time or opportunity to fulfill their task. War is not the answer.”
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors Legislation to Repeal Authorization of War Against Iraq
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-California) today joined with colleagues in the introduction of legislation that would repeal last year’s Congressional authorization of war against Iraq. The resolution reverses the decision to give President Bush unlimited powers to wage war against Iraq, which Lee opposed.The resolution echoes Lee’s efforts last fall to utilize diplomatic measures, including inspections and containment, to disarm Iraq, rather than resorting to war. In October, Lee introduced what became known as the Lee Amendment to H.J. Res. 114, requiring the United States to work through the United Nations to achieve disarmament through inspections and other diplomatic means. The amendment received 72 votes and contributed to the debate on alternatives to war.
Representative Lee said, “The President has still not shown that war is either inevitable or necessary. In fact, Secretary Powell’s presentation today at the United Nations raises more questions than it answers.”
She continued, “Secretary of State Colin Powell today made a convincing case for the need to sustain and expand the United Nations inspections process to seek out and destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. He also made a powerful – if indirect – case for the need for strengthening global non-proliferation efforts and for engagement rather than isolation.”
“The DeFazio resolution repealing the authorization of use of force is needed more than ever. The inspections teams have not had the time or opportunity to fulfill their task. War is not the answer.”
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