Congresswoman Lee Seeks to Stop U.S. Military Escalation in Iraq
Washington, DC – Together with Congressmen Walter Jones (R-NC) and James McGovern (D-MA), Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined in the introduction of a privileged resolution directing President Obama to remove all U.S. military forces stationed in Iraq within 30 days or by the end of the year. The resolution exempts troops necessary for the security of U.S. diplomatic posts and personnel.
“My colleagues and I share a strong concern about mission creep in Iraq. Before we put America’s servicemen and women in harm’s way again, the Constitution requires Congressional debate and determination,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
The privileged resolution is a special procedure outlined in the War Powers Resolution and requires the House to take up the measure within 15 days.
In a further action to re-institute Congressional control on matters of war, Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Rigell (R-VA) jointly led a bipartisan letter signed by more than 100 Members of Congress, from both parties, calling on President Obama to seek Congressional consent before taking military action in Iraq.