Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced legislation to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). On September 14, 2001, Congresswoman Lee was the lone Member of Congress to vote against the 2001 AUMF.

“Fifteen years ago, I made the difficult decision to vote against this authorization because I knew this was a blank check to wage war anywhere, at any time, and for any length,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Over the last fifteen years, this broad authorization has been used to justify at least 37 military actions in 14 countries. It has been used for warrantless surveillance and wiretapping activities, indefinite detention practices at Guantanamo Bay, extrajudicial targeted-killing operations, and a policy of borderless and open-ended war that indefinitely extends U.S. military engagement around the world.”

“This issue is more urgent given the erratic behavior and inexperience of our current Commander-in-Chief. No president should have a blank check for endless war, least of all President Donald Trump. The Constitution is clear: the American people deserve a voice on matters of war and peace. I urge my colleagues to repeal this dangerous authorization immediately.”

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