Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports the War Powers Resolution
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the House of Representatives passing H.Con.Res 83, Directing the President to Terminate the Use of Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran.
“The American people do not want another unnecessary war of choice in the Middle East, and this critical resolution helps put a check on the Trump Administration’s reckless and irrational military actions against Iran.
“Today we begin to reassert our constitutional duty, but we must go further to restore our duty in matters of war and peace. It’s critical that Congress continues this important work and take up my bill, H.R. 2456, to repeal the 2002 AUMF and Congressman Khanna’s bill to prohibit any funds for a war with Iran absent an explicit authorization. My 2002 AUMF amendment was included with bipartisan support in the House-passed FY2020 NDAA, but stripped by Senate Republicans from the final bill.
“The Trump Administration has falsely claimed that the 2002 AUMF could be used as the congressional authorization to attack Iran – which is completely outrageous. Let me be clear – U.S. military deployments and operations carried out pursuant to the 2002 AUMF officially concluded in 2011. Leaving this outdated authorization on the books is not only dangerous but irresponsible.
“It’s past time to return to diplomacy and peace, and to reassert our constitutional duty on matters of war and peace. We must end the era of giving blank checks to the executive to wage endless wars, and finally do our jobs.”
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