Representative Barbara Lee Introduces Bipartisan Legislation That Would Swiftly End U.S. War in Afghanistan
Media Contact: Joel Payne, (202) 225- 2661
Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to responsibly end combat operations in Afghanistan and limit funding for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors from Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan is now in its tenth year and costs more than $100 billion per year. It is already the longest war in our nation’s history, longer than Vietnam and World War II. The bill provides a path to swiftly end the war in Afghanistan and allows our courageous troops to return home to their families and loved ones. To date, the legislation has 46 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle.
Representative Lee made the following remarks on a press conference call with Representatives Ron Paul and Walter Jones to introduce this legislation earlier today. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Thank you all for joining. I especially want to say thanks to Representatives Ron Paul and Walter Jones for joining on the call today as well as for their support of my legislation.
“I think it sends a strong message that we have come together today to speak with one voice on this issue. We represent a growing number of people all over the country who believe that we are long past the time to end a policy of open-ended war in Afghanistan.
“On September 14, 2001, I placed the lone vote against the ‘Authorization of Use of Force’— an authorization that I knew would provide a blank check to wage war anywhere, at any time, and for any length.
“Nearly a decade later, the United States remains embroiled in the longest war in our nation’s history in Afghanistan, longer than Vietnam and World War II. From the start, I have maintained that this war would hurt our economic and national security and, unfortunately, time has proven that to be true.
“If you had told the American people that we would still be in Afghanistan a decade later, perhaps there would have been a more thorough debate about the invasion and a different outcome of that fateful vote less than a week after 9/11.
“The fact is, regardless of the situation in Afghanistan, we have seen the Pentagon come back to us asking for more time, more troops, and more resources.
“A military solution in Afghanistan is neither feasible, affordable, or in the national security interest of the United States. The war in Afghanistan is now in its 10th year, longer than World War II and the Vietnam War, and it is costing us $100 billion per year and countless American lives. It is time to end America’s longest war and bring our troops home.
“My legislation, The Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act, would end combat operations in Afghanistan and limit funding for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors from Afghanistan. I am pleased that 46 of my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, have joined me to support this legislation.
“What we are saying with one voice is simple: Enough is enough. We need to begin to end this war now.
“As the daughter of a military veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices and the commitment involved with defending our nation. Our troops have done everything that was asked of them and more. But the truth is that they have been put in an impossible position – a war with no foreseeable end. It is time to bring them to their families and their loved ones.
“Our legislation sends a clear signal to the Administration that Congress expects an immediate change of course in Afghanistan.
"I welcome every one of my colleagues to join the 46 of us who have already signed onto this legislation and I pledge to continue to fight for the swift, complete withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors from Afghanistan.”
Full text of the legislation can be viewed HERE.
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